Changes

====Feeding Sick Donkeys====

====Feeding Sick Donkeys====

Lack of appetite is one of the most common signs that a donkey is ill.  Donkeys are naturally very stoic and do not show such overt signs of pain as other equines, often the first sign of a problem is a donkey that suddenly becomes anorexic or whose appetite is reduced.  Any donkey with a poor appetite should be seen by a veterinary surgeon, donkeys that are completely anorexic should be treated as a veterinary emergency.  Donkeys are particularly prone to developing a life threatening condition known as hyperlipaemia where lack of food intake causes the donkey to release reserves of fat to circulate in the blood.  Unless the negative energy balance resulting from the anorexia is resolved quickly the fat in the bloodstream may infiltrate organs and cause irreversible damage and in some cases death.  Sick donkeys often need their appetite stimulating, although molasses, polos, cereal mixes and ginger biscuits can be used successfully in the very short term they can be detrimental for anything more than a day or two.  Most donkeys can be tempted with healthier products such as TopSpec Digestive Aid, peppermint cordial, dried or fresh mint leaf, ginger, grated or chopped carrots, apples and bananas (including the skin) and yeast extracts such as marmite.  Tempting the donkey with small, tasty feeds rather than one big meal is also recommended.  It is important not to under estimate the donkey’s natural instinct as a browser.  Donkeys that have shown no interest in tasty mixes will often be tempted to eat if led to a nearby hedgerow to browse on the brambles and herbs available, this natural instinct can often be used successfully in the worst of cases.

Lack of appetite is one of the most common signs that a donkey is ill.  Donkeys are naturally very stoic and do not show such overt signs of pain as other equines, often the first sign of a problem is a donkey that suddenly becomes anorexic or whose appetite is reduced.  Any donkey with a poor appetite should be seen as a matter of urgency, donkeys that are completely anorexic should be treated as a veterinary emergency.  Donkeys are particularly prone to developing a life threatening condition known as hyperlipaemia where lack of food intake causes the donkey to release reserves of fat to circulate in the blood.  Unless the negative energy balance resulting from the anorexia is resolved quickly the fat in the bloodstream may infiltrate organs and cause irreversible damage and in some cases death.  Sick donkeys often need their appetite stimulating, although molasses, polos, cereal mixes and ginger biscuits can be used successfully in the very short term they can be detrimental for anything more than a day or two.  Most donkeys can be tempted with healthier products such as TopSpec Digestive Aid, peppermint cordial, dried or fresh mint leaf, ginger, grated or chopped carrots, apples and bananas (including the skin) and yeast extracts such as marmite.  Tempting the donkey with small, tasty feeds rather than one big meal is also recommended.  It is important not to under estimate the donkey’s natural instinct as a browser.  Donkeys that have shown no interest in tasty mixes will often be tempted to eat if led to a nearby hedgerow to browse on the brambles and herbs available, this natural instinct can often be used successfully in the worst of cases.

====Overweight Donkeys====

====Overweight Donkeys====