Stings and Bites - Donkey

Introduction

This jenny was known to have received multiple bee stings from a disturbed beehive. Focal bites became necrotic over some days but the majority of the skin damage was caused by self trauma.(Image courtesy of The Donkey Sanctuary)

Fortunately the donkey is seldom afflicted with zootoxicosis. Bites of snakes and spiders will, however, occur from time to time. Bee and wasp stings are probably more common; most will be single and may then pass unnoticed.

Clinical signs

Multiple bee or wasp stings can cause severe problems with localised inflammatory responses and are often accompanied by severe local pruritus. By the time the problem is recognised, the donkey may have caused extensive skin damage and the focal nature of the bites will be masked.

Treatment

Treatment usually centres on parenteral corticosteroid (usually dexamethasone intravenously) and local neutralising solutions. The latter involve the use of a mild alkaline in bee stings and a weak acid (such as vinegar) in the case of wasp stings.

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

DERMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS - DONKEY