Changes

'''Heart rate'''

'''Heart rate'''

The normal heart rate for an adult donkey is considered to be 44 beats per minute on average. The heart rate and character of the pulse are important criteria in assessing the colic patient and also the severity of the disease. As in the horse, pain has only a relatively minor effect on the donkey’s heart rate. The rate is influenced much more by haemoconcentration and diminished venous return and by the cardiovascular response to endotoxaemia.  

The normal heart rate for an adult donkey is considered to be 41 beats per minute on average. The heart rate and character of the pulse are important criteria in assessing the colic patient and also the severity of the disease. As in the horse, pain has only a relatively minor effect on the donkey’s heart rate. The rate is influenced much more by haemoconcentration and diminished venous return and by the cardiovascular response to endotoxaemia.  

In the horse the elevation in pulse rate can be different, depending on the cause of the colic. Impactive colic may only cause mild elevations in pulse rate. Donkeys with impactive colic are more likely to have heart rates of 60 beats per minute or less, compared to donkeys with colic from other causes, which are more likely to have pulse rates of 60-100 beats per minute (H. Duffield's unpublished data). This may be because the impactions have little effect on circulating blood volume. It should also be considered that donkeys may cope better with dehydration and hypovolaemia due to their adaptations to arid environments.  

In the horse the elevation in pulse rate can be different, depending on the cause of the colic. Impactive colic may only cause mild elevations in pulse rate. Donkeys with impactive colic are more likely to have heart rates of 60 beats per minute or less, compared to donkeys with colic from other causes, which are more likely to have pulse rates of 60-100 beats per minute (H. Duffield's unpublished data). This may be because the impactions have little effect on circulating blood volume. It should also be considered that donkeys may cope better with dehydration and hypovolaemia due to their adaptations to arid environments.  

'''Respiratory rate'''

'''Respiratory rate'''

The normal respiratory rate for the donkey is similar to that of the horse, 16-20 breaths per minute. Severe abdominal pain may increase the respiratory rate in an apparent attempt to reduce the movement of the diaphragm and chest. Pressure on the diaphragm from a grossly distended colon will also elevate the respiratory rate. An elevation in respiratory rate, accompanied by cyanosis, should be considered as evidence of very serious disease.

The normal respiratory rate for the donkey is similar to that of the horse, 13-31 breaths per minute. Severe abdominal pain may increase the respiratory rate in an apparent attempt to reduce the movement of the diaphragm and chest. Pressure on the diaphragm from a grossly distended colon will also elevate the respiratory rate. An elevation in respiratory rate, accompanied by cyanosis, should be considered as evidence of very serious disease.

A donkey suffering from other respiratory diseases such as pleuropneumonia and pneumothorax may also present with signs of

A donkey suffering from other respiratory diseases such as pleuropneumonia and pneumothorax may also present with signs of

[[Image:Mucous membrane examination.jpg|right|thumb|150px|<small><center>Mucous membrane examination (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

[[Image:Mucous membrane examination.jpg|right|thumb|150px|<small><center>Mucous membrane examination (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

A rectal temperature should be taken routinely before the examination is performed. The normal rectal temperature of the adult donkey has been found to be slightly lower than the temperature of the adult horse with the average being 37.1°C (range 36.2-37.8°C). Elevations may occur due to physical exertion or response to infections ''e.g.'' Salmonellosis.

A rectal temperature should be taken routinely before the examination is performed. The normal rectal temperature of the adult donkey has been found to be slightly lower than the temperature of the adult horse with the average being 37.1°C (range 36.5-37.7°C). Elevations may occur due to physical exertion or response to infections ''e.g.'' Salmonellosis.

'''Mucous membrane colour and capillary refill time'''

'''Mucous membrane colour and capillary refill time'''