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Clinical Examination (Geriatric) - Donkey (view source)
Revision as of 10:23, 22 October 2010
, 10:23, 22 October 2010no edit summary
==General considerations==
[[Image:Elderly donkeys.jpg|right|thumb|150px|<small><center>Elderly donkeys with appropriate management enjoying life (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]
Routine clinical examination of the geriatric donkey should naturally include
assessment of all the ten body systems but it is useful to take time to stand
back and take a more holistic view of the animal and the conditions under
which it is kept. Allow time to monitor '''general demeanour''' prior to any
hands-on examination.
It is wise to remember that donkeys are capable of forming '''extremely
strong bonds''' with companions and can easily be stressed by being parted
from them even for the short period of time needed to perform a clinical
examination. This is even more important in the older animals where
geriatric companions may have a lifelong commitment to one another.
Keep such animals close by throughout the assessment.
Consider offering a small quantity of palatable, succulent feed and
'''observe prehension/feeding behaviour'''. Beware '''sham feeding''' where the
donkey seems to be interested and eating but in reality is often only ‘playing’
with the contents of the bucket or trough. This is a good time to monitor
for quidding. Also animals that have been fed in a group will often appear
to have ‘eaten-up’ perfectly well when they have actually been increasingly
anorexic for some time.
A '''blood sample''' should be taken early in the examination and allowed to
settle/clot. Secondary [[Hyperlipaemia - Donkey|hyperlipaemia]] is a common and serious complicating
factor in many instances of malaise in both the obese and lean individual.
Biochemistry/haematology screening will determine the triglyceride status
of the animal <font colr = 'green'>(The Donkey Sanctuary offer this service free to clinicians
within the UK, see Appendix 10).</font color>
When assessed regularly the [[Body Condition Score - Donkey|'''condition score''']] of the donkey is a
useful pointer, not only to how the elderly animal is utilizing feed, but it
can also indicate possible low-grade chronic pain from conditions such as
osteoarthritis. Many of the common conditions encountered in the ageing
donkey can be considered as potential causes of weight loss or ‘ill-thrift’.
Hands-on condition scoring is essential; many donkeys have bulky or thick
coats which can be deceptive to the eye alone. The clinician must also be
aware of the '''localized subcutaneous fat deposits''', e.g. paralumbar, rump,
dorsal thoracic ribs and especially at the crest. These may be of a significant
size and will often remain even though the donkey has lost a significant
amount of body condition. These deposits have a '''tendency to calcify''' over
time and, in the aged donkey, may easily be mistaken for tumours.
==Literature Search==
[[File:CABI logo.jpg|left|90px]]
Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
<br><br><br>
[http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?q=od%3A%28donkeys%29+AND+subject%3A%28clinical+examination%29 Clinical Examination horses and donkeys related publications]
==References==
* Sprayson, T. (2008) The care of the geriatric donkey In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) ''The Professional Handbook of the Donkey'', 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 13
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[[Category:Donkey]]
[[Category:Geriatric_Donkey]]