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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

[[Image:Pediculosis donkey.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>A typical moth-eaten donkey with severe ''Damalinia equi'' and ''Haematopinus asini'' louse infestation. (Image courtesy of  [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

[[Image:Pediculosis donkey.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>A typical moth-eaten donkey with severe ''Damalinia equi'' and ''Haematopinus asini'' louse infestation. (Image courtesy of  [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

Lice are common in groups of closely managed donkeys, but are less common in more extensive management systems. Both biting (''Damalinia spp.'') and sucking (''Haematopinus spp.'') lice occur in donkeys. Lice tend to be moderately species-specific and it is not clear if these are the same species that affect horses.

[[Lice]] are common in groups of closely managed donkeys, but are less common in more extensive management systems. Both biting (''Damalinia spp.'') and sucking (''Haematopinus spp.'') lice occur in donkeys. Lice tend to be moderately species-specific and it is not clear if these are the same species that affect horses.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Infested donkeys have a '''dull dry coat''' with '''hair loss''','''scales and crusts'''. Adult lice and their eggs (nits) can normally be seen on the hair coat. The major dermatological problem seen in severe lice infestation among working donkeys is '''skin irritation, pruritus''', often causing '''self-inflicted trauma''', with extensive '''alopecia''' and concomitant '''excoriation'''. Animals infested with sucking lice may also be '''anaemic'''.

Infested donkeys have a '''dull dry coat''' with '''hair loss''','''scales and crusts'''. Adult lice and their eggs (nits) can normally be seen on the hair coat. The major dermatological problem seen in severe lice infestation among working donkeys is '''skin irritation, pruritus''', often causing '''self-inflicted trauma''', with extensive '''alopecia''' and concomitant '''excoriation'''. Animals infested with sucking lice may also be '''anaemic'''.

Secondary infections are common in the traumatised skin, but will usually involve opportunistic pathogens rather than severe skin pathogens. Scaling and flaking can develop if the infestation is prolonged, and selftrauma can result in a considerable exudative dermatosis with crusting.

Secondary infections are common in the traumatised skin, but will usually involve opportunistic pathogens rather than severe skin pathogens. Scaling and flaking can develop if the infestation is prolonged, and self trauma can result in a considerable exudative dermatosis with crusting.

Care must be taken not to re-infest the donkey due to poor management techniques. Grooming kit and tack should be cleaned and disinfected at the same time as the animals are treated, and any discarded hair carefully disposed of.

Care must be taken not to re-infest the donkey due to poor management techniques. Grooming kit and tack should be cleaned and disinfected at the same time as the animals are treated, and any discarded hair carefully disposed of.

==References==

==References==

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[[Category:Donkey]]

[[Category:Donkey]]