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If oral nutrition is not possible due to ileus, then '''partial or total parenteral nutrition''' can be used to supply energy. [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] has little experience with this kind of therapy. Hospitalisation is required for this treatment and in certain cases the movement of an anorexic, geriatric donkey to a hospital may not be indicated.
If oral nutrition is not possible due to ileus, then '''partial or total parenteral nutrition''' can be used to supply energy. [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] has little experience with this kind of therapy. Hospitalisation is required for this treatment and in certain cases the movement of an anorexic, geriatric donkey to a hospital may not be indicated.
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'''[[Impaction Colic - Donkey|Impactive conditions]]
If impactions are diagnosed early enough, most respond to conservative, medical therapy comprised of '''oral laxatives, mild analgesics and intravenous or oral fluids'''. If the donkey is bedded on straw then this should be replaced with '''non-edible bedding'''. One to two litres of '''mineral oil''' may be administered by nasogastric tube over 12 to 24 hours in combination with oral rehydration products. The administration of mineral oil to treat caecal impactions is less effective than it is in the treatment of large colon impactions because the oil can pass straight into the colon without penetrating the caecal mass.
If impactions are diagnosed early enough, most respond to conservative, medical therapy comprised of '''oral laxatives, mild analgesics and intravenous or oral fluids'''. If the donkey is bedded on straw then this should be replaced with '''non-edible bedding'''. One to two litres of '''mineral oil''' may be administered by nasogastric tube over 12 to 24 hours in combination with oral rehydration products. The administration of mineral oil to treat caecal impactions is less effective than it is in the treatment of large colon impactions because the oil can pass straight into the colon without penetrating the caecal mass.
If the condition does not respond to medical treatment, evacuation of the caecum or large colon can be carried out at laparotomy. In these cases the impaction may have been present for some time and the intestinal wall may have become compromised, making the animal a less favourable surgical candidate.
If the condition does not respond to medical treatment, evacuation of the caecum or large colon can be carried out at laparotomy. In these cases the impaction may have been present for some time and the intestinal wall may have become compromised, making the animal a less favourable surgical candidate.
===Gastric ulceration===
==Prevention of impactive conditions==
Factors thought to contribute to the development of the impaction are poor dentition, coarseness of feed and decreased exercise. For example, exercise will be decreased when a donkey is lame or is hospitalised for any reason, or following changes in management, such as when donkeys are brought in from the fields for the winter months. Certain measures can therefore be undertaken to prevent the development of the impactions. These include '''regular dental checks and treatment, soft wet feeds''' during hospitalisation
or bouts of laminitis, and the '''avoidance of sudden management changes'''. At [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] the donkeys are housed for increasing periods of time over a two- to four-week period during the autumn to accustom
them to being inside for the winter.
'''[[Gastric Ulceration - Donkey|Gastric ulceration]]===
Racehorses and sick neonatal foals commonly suffer from gastric ulcers due to the stresses they experience. [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] has found that hyperlipaemic, anorexic donkeys commonly suffer from gastric ulcers which are frequently only diagnosed at ''post-mortem''.
Racehorses and sick neonatal foals commonly suffer from gastric ulcers due to the stresses they experience. [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] has found that hyperlipaemic, anorexic donkeys commonly suffer from gastric ulcers which are frequently only diagnosed at ''post-mortem''.
The ''ante-mortem'' diagnosis of gastric ulcers using direct endoscopy is not commonly undertaken in the donkey, as the period of starvation required to make the lesions visible is contra-indicated in the hyperlipaemic or potentially hyperlipaemic donkey. The administration of '''gastro-protectants''', such as omeprazole, may be indicated in any sick or inappetent donkey.
The ''ante-mortem'' diagnosis of gastric ulcers using direct endoscopy is not commonly undertaken in the donkey, as the period of starvation required to make the lesions visible is contra-indicated in the hyperlipaemic or potentially hyperlipaemic donkey. The administration of '''gastro-protectants''', such as omeprazole, may be indicated in any sick or inappetent donkey.
'''[[Pancreatitis - Donkey|Pancreatitis]]
Pancreatitis has occurred at a low incidence at [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] and is believed to be associated with hepatopathy and hyperlipaemia in donkeys on a generous diet. Clinical signs include abdominal pain, dullness
Pancreatitis has occurred at a low incidence at [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ The Donkey Sanctuary] and is believed to be associated with hepatopathy and hyperlipaemia in donkeys on a generous diet. Clinical signs include abdominal pain, dullness
and inappetence. '''Amylase and lipase assays''' may be useful for diagnosis. Chronic fibrosing pancreatitis has been seen occasionally, but more usually acute necrotising pancreatitis causing sudden death has been diagnosed at ''post-mortem''. Principles of treatment include '''antibiotics, analgesia and fluid therapy''' to restore hydration and prevent hyperlipaemia.
and inappetence. '''Amylase and lipase assays''' may be useful for diagnosis. Chronic fibrosing pancreatitis has been seen occasionally, but more usually acute necrotising pancreatitis causing sudden death has been diagnosed at ''post-mortem''. Principles of treatment include '''antibiotics, analgesia and fluid therapy''' to restore hydration and prevent hyperlipaemia.
==References==
==References==