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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
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