Changes

==Insect hypersensitivity==

==Insect hypersensitivity==

[[Image:Allergic dermatitis donkey.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>The legs of a donkey showing a severe pruritic allergic dermatitis due to the presence of [[Mange - Donkey|chorioptes mites]]. Selftrauma leads to progressive irritation and more self-trauma.(Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

[[Image:Allergic dermatitis donkey.jpg|right|thumb|200px|<small><center>The legs of a donkey showing a severe pruritic allergic dermatitis due to the presence of [[Mange - Donkey|chorioptes mites]]. Selftrauma leads to progressive irritation and more self-trauma.(Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]

Insect hypersensitivity occurs in donkeys, but is not often the typical

Insect hypersensitivity occurs in donkeys, but is not often the typical

[[Midges - Donkey|‘sweet itch’ syndrome]] seen in horses. In D. Knottenbelt’s experience, many

[[Midges - Donkey|‘sweet itch’ syndrome]] seen in horses. In D. Knottenbelt’s experience, many

of the cases suffer from sensitivity to biting flies other than [[Biting Flies#Ceratopogonidae|''Culicoides spp.'']]

of the cases suffer from sensitivity to biting flies other than [[Ceratopogonidae|''Culicoides spp.'']]

Nevertheless, many do show a typical distribution and seasonal onset

Nevertheless, many do show a typical distribution and seasonal onset

that is indistinguishable from equine ‘sweet itch’.  

that is indistinguishable from equine ‘sweet itch’.  

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

Whilst treatment is required in any case that shows signs, it is far better to '''prevent exposure to the

Whilst treatment is required in any case that shows signs, it is far better to '''prevent exposure to the allergen'''. This may be easier said than done! Most insects do not ‘like’ windy, cold or rainy conditions and so providing these climatic conditions can be a useful way of helping. However, the downside of this is that these conditions are not ideal for donkeys in other respects. Housing during maximal risk periods (e.g. overnight) and ‘turn-out’ at minimal risk periods (''e.g.'' in the heat of the day) can help.

allergen'''. This may be easier said than done! Most insects do not ‘like’

windy, cold or rainy conditions and so providing these climatic conditions

can be a useful way of helping. However, the downside of this is that these

conditions are not ideal for donkeys in other respects. Housing during maximal risk periods (e.g. overnight) and

‘turn-out’ at minimal risk periods (e.g.

in the heat of the day) can help.

'''Insect repellents''' and other

'''Insect repellents''' and other

steroids such as methylprednisolone

steroids such as methylprednisolone

actetate is not very useful.

actetate is not very useful.

==References==

==References==