Coital Exanthema - Donkey

Introduction

Coital exanthema in the perineum of a jenny that presumably developed some weeks after an infected mating. (Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

The donkey is susceptible to EHV 3 infection (coital exanthema) and this is usually regarded as a transient venereal infection.

Clinical Signs

It can affect the penis of the breeding male and the perineal skin and vulva of the jenny. The classical symptoms are an acute, florid inflammatory response with transient vesicles and secondary infection some days after coitus.

Treatment

Treatment is limited to topical application of soothing antibacterial creams and, if the area is significantly painful, human haemorrhoid creams are useful because they contain antibiotic and local anaesthetics.

Sexual rest is important because it can spread rapidly, and a rest for up to three weeks will usually allow the stallion to recover and become noninfectious.

Control

There does seem to be a carrier status in the males in which immunity is solid for some years.

Many Herpes virus infections have a latent capacity and so recrudescence is likely.

References

• Knottenbelt, D. (2008) Skin disorders In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 8

VIRAL SKIN INFECTIONS - DONKEY

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