References
Therapeutics in veterinary care of the donkey
Abstract
Knowledge of donkey-specific disease presentation, behaviour, anatomy and physiology is beneficial when choosing appropriate medications and routes of administration in this species. While many selected therapeutic agents will be the same as those used in the horse, being aware of certain nuances will ensure that the donkey receives the best possible care. Clinicians and owners alike may benefit from drug administration tips. As there are limited drugs licensed for use in the donkey, use of the prescribing cascade is usually warranted. This article mentions the use of therapeutics in mules where appropriate.
There are over 44 million donkeys globally (The Donkey Sanctuary, 2022) and a large number exist in the UK as pets, companions and working animals. Knowledge about the veterinary care of donkeys, including medication use, weight assessment and consideration of specific behaviours, is important for ensuring optimum health and welfare.
There are limited medications licensed for donkeys in the UK and many drug dosages are extrapolated from horses, so medicines may need to be prescribed under the cascade (UK Government, 2021). Donkeys are considered food-producing animals in the European Union and they are prescribed prohibited substances or those on the essential substance list (part II of section IX) this must be completed on the animal's passport.
Dose rates, ranges and dosing intervals may be different with donkeys in comparison to horses, and can even vary within the species, and there is limited data to aid with therapeutic decisions (Grosenbaugh et al, 2011).
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