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| | ==[[Laminitis - Donkey#Nursing Care|Laminitis]]== | | ==[[Laminitis - Donkey#Nursing Care|Laminitis]]== |
| − | [[Image:Apply cotton wool pad donkey.jpg|left|thumb|150px|<small><center>Apply cotton wool pad (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]
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| − | [[Image:Secure with bandage donkey.jpg|right|thumb|150px|<small><center>Secure with bandage (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]
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| − | [[Image:Cotton wool pad donkey.jpg|left|thumb|150px|<small><center>Cotton wool pad in place(Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]
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| − | [[Image:Adhesive patches donkey.jpg|right|thumb|150px|<small><center>Finally add adhesive, waterproof patches (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]
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| − | Donkeys, like ponies, are susceptible to [[Laminitis - Donkey|laminitis]]. All four feet can be affected, but it is more common in the front feet. Obesity and a high carbohydrate diet are the most common risk factors, obese animals being at the highest risk. Other causes include trauma to the foot, weight-bearing if the other limb is injured, long or badly trimmed feet, [[Donkey - Hyperlipaemia|hyperlipaemia]], toxaemia and [[Donkey - Colic|colic]].
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| − | [[Laminitis - Donkey|Laminitis]] is a painful condition. Clinical signs include strong digital pulses, lameness, weight shifting, a laminitic stance, reluctance to move, lying down and reluctance to stand, elevated pulse and sweating. Donkeys will also hold alternate forelimbs high above the ground, a stance not exhibited by horses.
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| − | Due to a donkey’s stoical nature, mild cases of [[Laminitis - Donkey|laminitis]] can go unnoticed, particularly if the animal receives no exercise. It is important to '''check the digital pulses of hospitalised donkeys''' so that early treatment can be instigated.
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| − | Provide box-rest on a deep, inedible bed of paper or shavings so that the diet can be controlled. Ensure that water and food are within easy reach as it can be too painful for some animals to make the effort to move.
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| − | '''Foot pads''' provide some relief to the donkey. Pick out the feet and pad with a thick layer of cotton wool, bandage in place with a cohesive bandage. Adhesive patches designed for big bale silage (''e.g.'' JAF-Patch, available from agricultural suppliers) can be applied to the bandage to make the dressings more waterproof. '''Sugardine paste''', which is made from granulated sugar mixed with povidone-iodine antiseptic solution, can be applied to the sole beneath the cotton wool. This helps keep the foot clean, hardens soft soles and helps control infection.
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| − | Change foot dressings daily and check the '''sole for bruising and infection'''. If the donkey spends long periods lying down, check for '''pressure sores''', particularly on elbows and stifles.
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| − | ==References==
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| − | * Dabinett, S. (2008) Nursing care In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) ''The Professional Handbook of the Donkey'', 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 18
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| | ==[[Donkey - Euthanasia|Euthanasia]]== | | ==[[Donkey - Euthanasia|Euthanasia]]== |