Melanoma - Donkey
 |
This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |
Introduction
Melanomas are rare in donkeys but do occur from time to time around the eye region in particular. There is little correlation with hair coat and skin colours.
Diagnosis
As with any other nodular skin disease a biopsy is usually helpful.
Treatment
The options for treatment are very limited. Whilst in horses oral cimetidine for 30 days or more, has been reported to be effective, D. Knottenbelt has had no visible benefit from this treatment in donkeys. However, case numbers are very low and the dose may not be similar, so it is difficult to make any firm statements.
It may be possible to surgically remove individual troublesome lesions (such as those occurring in the eyelid or sclera). There is no published information on the likely malignancy of asinine melanoma.
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
|
