Nursing Care - Donkey

Introduction

Individual attention (Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

Donkeys requiring hospitalisation can be managed in a similar way to small ponies, although differences in temperament, behaviour and conformation must be taken into consideration.

Donkeys form strong bonds with companions and should be kept together. Stress should be kept to a minimum, as hyperlipaemia is a common complication of any management change or illness. Nurses and grooms should be sensitive to subtle behavioural changes, which are often early indicators of illness. Donkeys are stoical by nature and often do not exhibit dramatic symptoms. Any donkey described as dull, head held low, generally disinterested and with reduced appetite, should be investigated.

Stabling

Bonded animals should be kept together, and it should be ensured that the box or stable is large enough for two, or possibly three, donkeys. If it is necessary to separate them, ensure that they can see one another.

If the stable door is too high for the donkey to see over, use a hurdle or gate in the doorway. Ideally there should be access to an exercise yard, unless box-rest is indicated. Ensure that the stable has good ventilation, and use rugs and heat lamps to provide extra warmth if necessary. Use of dustfree bedding is preferred. Paper or cardboard is ideal and has the advantage that the hospitalised donkey is less likely to eat it compared to straw.

Make sure that stable fittings are a suitable height for donkeys. Bear in mind that they may not be used to automatic drinkers and can be frightened by the noise of re-filling. It is often better to use buckets as fluid intake can be monitored.

Hospitalisation

Taking blood (Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

Assessing TPR (temperature-pulse-respiration) (Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

On arrival, assess the donkey’s age, condition score and any apparent problems. Donkeys often have unusual or individual preferences, so establish from the owner the normal feed and routine, as well as any likes or dislikes. Check if the donkey is on any medication, and the current vaccination and worming status.

If possible, weigh the donkey or use a heart girth/height chart to calculate its weight. When the donkey has settled, take a blood sample for routine haematology and biochemistry. This is particularly important if the donkey is admitted for surgery or is thin or elderly. After clotting, the serum should look clear, not cloudy or milky (which can indicate hyperlipaemia), nor yellow as in the horse. Thin and old donkeys should also have their teeth examined using a Hausmann’s gag. Dental problems such as loose teeth, steps and shear mouths are common.

Every day check the donkey’s general demeanour, appetite and the quantity and consistency of droppings. If in doubt, monitor ‘gut sounds’ by auscultation. Rectal examination is indicated if there is any suspicion of reduced gut activity.

Check digital pulses, as they can indicate the start of laminitis, and monitor vital signs:

• Respiration rate is best taken before entering the stable and disturbing the donkey. Also note any respiratory noise, increased respiratory effort or nasal discharge
• The pulse is taken from the submandibular artery where it crosses the mandible. It may be necessary to clip the jaw of a donkey with a thick coat.
• Ensure the donkey is well restrained before taking its temperature and stand close to the hindquarters to avoid being kicked. The normal temperature is 36.2°C to 37.8°C (97.2°F to 100°F)

Feeding

Age, condition score and dentition must be taken into consideration. Young and healthy adult animals do well on a high-fibre diet of hay and good quality barley straw and will probably not require concentrates. Hay is best fed from the floor, especially for animals suffering respiratory or eye problems. If possible, turn out to graze for part of the day or walk in hand, allowing the donkey to browse in hedgerows. If the donkey is unable to go out, feed succulents such as freshly cut grass, carrots and apples.

Many older donkeys have poor dentition and find it difficult to eat long fibre. Chaff-type feeds may need to be fed instead of hay, plus additional concentrates. Feeds should be dampened as these animals may be prone to choking.

Provide tempting feeds for a sick donkey, because it can often lose its appetite. Separate or tie up companions when the patient is offered a feed. Some donkeys will not eat whilst being watched; they can appear to be eating, but are just standing with their head lowered in the bucket. An anorexic donkey should be tempted with anything it will eat. Hand-feed and try bread, carrots, apples or biscuits. Owners should be consulted about favourite treats. Uneaten feed should be removed from the stable as it will become unappetising.

It is beneficial to spend time with the donkey, grooming, petting and hand-feeding, particularly if it is a much loved pet used to ‘one-to-one’ attention.

Handling and restraint

Well handled donkeys should be easy to catch. If this is not the case, follow the donkey into a corner and approach quietly from behind. It should be possible to put an arm over the donkey’s neck and fit a head collar. Unlike horses, donkeys are not flight animals, and tend to stand still when unsure of a situation.

Donkeys respond well to calm, confident handling. Use a well fitting head collar and tie ring, and feed treats to distract attention. It may be necessary to hold an ear, but twisting it is not acceptable. Rope twitches applied to the lip seem to have little effect on donkeys. However, they can be useful for mules, which can be difficult to handle.

Holding up a front leg can be useful, but beware, donkeys are adept at kicking whilst standing on three legs!

Drug administration

Drenching (Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

Administering eye drops (Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

Administering intravenous fluids (Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

Oral drugs can be given in small feeds or mixed with treacle, fruit juice or jam and given in bread or biscuits. This is the best option for longterm drugs, which then become an anticipated treat. If the donkey will not take the drug, mix with water or juice and drench using a catheter tip syringe.

Intramuscular injections are given in the neck or rump using an 18 g x 1½ inch(1.2 x 40 mm) needle. Use 19 g or 21 g x 1 inch (0.8 x 25 mm) needles for foals and very small donkeys. Rotate sites to avoid muscle soreness. The brisket should not be used, as donkeys have narrow chests and very little muscle here.

The jugular vein is used for intravenous injections and blood sampling using an 18 g x 1½ inch (1.2 x 40 mm) needle. An assistant should hold the donkey with its head extended and turned slightly away from you. Make sure the area is clipped. It can be difficult to see the vein in very fat donkeys and stallions with well muscled necks. Be aware that it is relatively easy to mistakenly hit the carotid artery especially in very thin donkeys.

Subcutaneous injections are given under a pinch of skin in front of the shoulder.

Intravenous fluids are given through a 14 g catheter. Donkeys have short necks and 80 mm is usually the maximum length they will accommodate.

References

• Dabinett, S. (2008) Nursing care In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 18

CLINICAL SECTION - DONKEY

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