Lower Respiratory Tract Disorders - Donkey
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Introduction
Conditions encountered include recurrent airway obstruction/heaves, chronic fibrosing interstitial pneumonia (ideopathic pulmonary fibrosis), bronchopneumonia, pulmonary neoplasia, abscess, oedema and haemorrhage, and hydatidosis. While these conditions are managed as in the equine patient, the often-delayed presentation makes the prognosis for recovery guarded in many cases.
Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO)
Chronic fibrosing interstitial pneumonia/ideopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
A consequence of chronic respiratory disease with extensive pulmonary fibrosis may be the development of cor pulmonale. In this condition there is enlargement and thickening of the right ventricle, leading to right-sided heart failure.
Pulmonary neoplasia
Neoplasia is uncommon, but is an important differential diagnosis of chronic respiratory disease, especially in the elderly donkey. Clinical signs are vague and consist of dypnoea, dullness and persistent pyrexia, and there may be hyperglobulinaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and anaemia.
Tumours found include primary lung neoplasias and those caused by metastatic spread. Ante-mortem diagnosis is difficult, and requires a combination of radiography, ultrasonography, thoracocentesis and lung biopsy. The stress of such procedures should be weighed against the likely benefit to the geriatric donkey.
References
- Thiemann, A. (2008) Respiratory problems In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 7