Lameness - Donkey
The lame donkey
It is often in an advanced stage that a lameness is recognised in a donkey kept as 'pasture ornament'. They are often recumbent for prolonged periods and may have depressed appetite, which increases the risk of hyperlipaemia. Full clinical examination should be performed and if in doubt, at least a visual inspection of serum/plasma from a blood sample. Hospitalised donkeys are at risk of intestinal obstruction and should be closely monitored, especially those fed a more dry, fibrous diet. Analgesics may mask the signs of colic. Few donkeys will trot up in-hand like horses for a lameness investigation, therefore free exercise in an enclosed space may be more rewarding. Standard regional analgesia may be employed, however, small size of some joints may limit the intra-articular anaesthesia.
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