More than 90% of pruritic donkeys have parasitic infestation. The majority
of the remainder are hypersensitivity cases of one sort or another, usually to
insect bites. There are also, however, some very serious neurological causes
of pruritus including rabies and peripheral nerve pathology. Pruritus can
be a sign of serious hepatic or neoplastic disease.
Pruritus is often complicated by self-trauma. Sustained mild pruritus
can result in significant scaling, hypertrophy and even lichenification of the
skin. Severe pruritus causes excoriation and exudation over the affected
area. In both cases the hairs are rubbed off and this can be identified in
trichogram examinations. It is not alopecia!
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
