Changes

 

Small changes to husbandry techniques may improve the quality of life and decrease discomfort. Elevating the height of feed and water facilities will relieve stress for those with cervical and forelimb [[Osteoarthritis - Donkey|osteoarthritis]] and [[Laminitis - Donkey|laminitis]]. Affected individuals should be fed separately to avoid being bullied by other donkeys. Feeds should be split into several smaller quantities given

Small changes to husbandry techniques may improve the quality of life and decrease discomfort. Elevating the height of feed and water facilities will relieve stress for those with cervical and forelimb [[Osteoarthritis - Donkey|osteoarthritis]] and [[Laminitis - Donkey|laminitis]]. Affected individuals should be fed separately to avoid being bullied by other donkeys. Feeds should be split into several smaller quantities given

be reassessed as a matter of course. Analgesia in these cases should be considered essential for the quality of life of the individual animal.

be reassessed as a matter of course. Analgesia in these cases should be considered essential for the quality of life of the individual animal.

The potential risk of long-term [[NSAIDs|NSAID]] use appears to be insignificant when assessed against the increased motility and comfort that it brings to the aged individual. Evidence suggests that, in general, '''phenylbutazone''' brings increased benefits to laminitis-associated pain whilst '''carprofen''' gives increased relief to osteoarthritic conditions, but this should not be set in stone and individuals have been known to respond to the contrary. Note also that, <u>due to the increased rate of clearance and distribution of phenylbutazone in donkeys, a twice daily dosage should be prescribed. Conversely, the NSAID carprofen is apparently metabolized more slowly in donkeys than in horses, therefore dosing intervals that are used in horses may not be appropriate for use in donkeys (Mealey et al, 2004).</u>

The potential risk of long-term [[NSAIDs|NSAID]] use appears to be insignificant when assessed against the increased motility and comfort that it brings to the aged individual. Evidence suggests that, in general, '''phenylbutazone''' brings increased benefits to laminitis-associated pain whilst '''carprofen''' gives increased relief to osteoarthritic conditions, but this should not be set in stone and individuals have been known to respond to the contrary. Note also that, <u>due to the increased rate of clearance and distribution of phenylbutazone in donkeys, a twice daily dosage should be prescribed. Conversely, the NSAID carprofen is apparently metabolized more slowly in donkeys than in horses, therefore dosing intervals that are used in horses may not be appropriate for use in donkeys (Mealey ''et al'', 2004).</u>

==References==

==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

* 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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