Dr. Baer in Honduras-Veterinary volunteer work with Equitarian Initiative

While most of you were hunkered down during the frigid week of February 8-15, I was warm and hard at work in Honduras. During this time, I was fortunate enough to have been selected for a volunteer veterinary trip with the Equitarian Initiative. Originally scheduled for November 2024, this trip was initially postponed due to tropical storms and flooding in the area.

The Equitarian Initiative is a non-profit organization providing philanthropic veterinary care for working horses, donkeys, and mules. Projects are focused in locations that lack access to basic veterinary care and work to align with local veterinary students and organizations to provide owner education. Conclusion of a successful project means that communities have been able to establish local care and no longer rely on outside help from EI. Current project locations include Haiti, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Peru, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

After flying into Comayagua, Honduras, we headed almost 3 hours south to the Choluteca region. Each day involved setting up a clinic in a different community, as close as 30 minutes away or as far as a few hours away. Getting to our most remote clinic location involved a 1.5-hour drive, a river crossing by rowboat, and a 1.5-mile hike! We had an international group of 8 veterinarians and 18 Honduran vet students. EQUHS (Equinos de Honduras) a local group, worked closely with us during the trip as well. EQUHS helps EI partner with various communities, provides owner education and resources, educates veterinary students, and promotes establishment of animal welfare curricula.  We also had local farriers working at the clinic sites every day.

Each clinic day, teams composed of one veterinarian and two veterinary students were assigned to either triage, surgery, anesthesia, or dentistry services. There was also a registration team from EQUHS assigning numbers to the horses in order of arrival. The triage teams were responsible for initial intake exams on all horses. Under the supervision of their team vet, the vet students performed these initial examinations, including physical exams, body condition scores, dental checks, administration of rabies vaccinations and dewormer, and application of topical parasite treatments. Working in triage provided a great opportunity for client education (and for me to work on my Spanish!). It was excellent practice for the students to explain their exam findings to horse owners. From triage, horses requiring dentistry, farriery, or surgery were then moved on to those stations. Anesthesia teams were responsible for pre-anesthetic exams and medication calculations prior to surgery. At surgery, anesthesia teams were responsible for laying the horse down, monitoring anesthesia, and helping the horse recover after surgery. Surgery teams were set up primarily to provide castrations, but an additional surgical case required flushing and debriding a severe hock wound while the horse was anesthetized. Dentistry teams provided dentistry services including sedated oral exams, floats, and extractions.

My communication with the students was sometimes challenging due to my limited technical vocabulary in Spanish, but they truly did a great job throughout the week and benefitted from this opportunity to practice their clinical skills. Hopefully some of these students will consider future career opportunities in equine veterinary medicine.

The days were long and hot, leaving us physically and mentally exhausted, but also extremely fulfilling and gratifying. Some of the horse owners traveled great distances to get care for their equine partners, and they were appreciative and invested in the process. The whole experience provided me with a new perspective on equine veterinary medicine, and I am grateful to have had this amazing opportunity. I hope to volunteer with EI again soon!

For more information about the Equitarian Initiative and how you can help, check out the EI website, https://equitarianinitiative.org/

Basic Life Skills for Horses

As a horse owner, have you taken responsibility for your horse’s ability to handle potentially stressful situations? Are you prepared for the inevitable emergency situation? Taking the time to evaluate you and your horse’s ability to handle these situations BEFORE they happen will help ensure better outcomes. Here is a list of basic life skills important for all horses, regardless of age or location!

  1. Basic handling, including catching, haltering , and leading your horse. You should be able to touch your horse’s body and legs and pick up all 4 feet. If you cannot catch your horse, how can your veterinarian examine him? If you never catch your horse, waiting until he is sick or wounded will not make the situation easier. If you cannot touch your horse’s legs or pick his feet, it is unfair to expect he will allow the farrier to do so safely. Remember that consistent handling is key to success and progress!
  2. Temperature- If you own a horse, you need to own a thermometer, know how to use it, and be able to safely take your horse’s temperature.
  3. Oral medications- There is no reason why your horse cannot learn to have his mouth touched and have oral medications administered (including dewormer!) It is highly likely that at some point, you will need to give your horse an oral medication. Your horse may not sip it eagerly from a syringe, but he needs to allow you (and your veterinarian) to administer an oral medication safely- without rearing, striking, running backwards, etc. If this is a weak skill for your horse, check out some of the resource links below for how to help your horse.
  4. Trailer loading- Even if your horse is retired at home, in the event of a fire or other life-threatening emergency, your horse will need to load on a trailer. This is a skill that comes with practice! Waiting until a stressful event forces this scenario is a good way to ensure that your horse does not load safely or in a reasonable amount of time. If you do not own a trailer, it is your responsibility to plan ahead- does a friend or neighbor have a trailer to help you? If your horse does not load reliably, consult with a reputable trainer to help him learn and practice.
  5. Safe behavior for veterinary exams- Your horse might be nervous about your veterinarian administering vaccinations or medications- that’s ok! Let your veterinarian know in advance and be aware of what works best for your horse in these situations- some treats, a twitch, etc- your veterinarian will appreciate the heads up and your respect for their safety. It is not acceptable for your horse to behave dangerously or violently, and such behavior will eventually mean less than ideal outcomes for your horse following illness or injury. Being a rescue is NOT an excuse for dangerous behavior. Consistent practice and de-sensitization training is a worthy investment for you and your horse!

Here are some great resource videos with training and desensitization tips:

  • Dr. Gemma Pearson, demonstration of techniques to make veterinary care less stressful for horses and safer for those involved. This is a long video but worth a watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=JI3xjvPPzzI
  • The British Equine Veterinary Association has a helpful Youtube channel “Don’t Break Your Vet” with short videos of densensitization training techniques to help horses stay safe and relaxed for injections, clipping, deworming, exams, and other veterinary procedures.

Equine Skin Cancers

Skin tumors in horses are not uncommon. While a tissue biopsy is the definitive way to identify the tumor type, location and appearance can offer clues for identification.

Sarcoids

Sarcoids are the most common skin tumor in horses and can be separated into different types depending on appearance.

  • Occult sarcoids are the earliest form of sarcoids and can progress to other forms or remain quiet for years. They vary in size and range from a roundish area of slightly different hair type to a gray hairless circular area. The skin can feel thickened and may resemble a rub from tack or ringworm lesion.
  • Verrucous sarcoids appear gray and scaly or wart-like. They can also become ulcerated and the skin in this area may crack easily.
  • Nodular sarcoids are obvious firm masses which may be attached within the skin or the skin may be separate from the nodules. The axilla (arm pit), eyelid, and inner thigh are common locations for nodular sarcoids.
  • Fibroblastic sarcoids are aggressive and ulcerative in appearance. They can occur anywhere on the horse’s body. The other types of sarcoids can evolve into the fibroblastic type from local trauma and irritation. Fibroblastic sarcoids are further divided into subtypes based on the extent of their attachment to deeper tissue.
  • Mixed sarcoids have characteristics of some or all the types listed above.
  • Malevolent sarcoids are fortunately the rarest form. These sarcoids are highly aggressive and spread extensively throughout the skin, with ulcerative and nodular cords of tumor tissue.

While sarcoids can be locally invasive, they typically do not spread throughout the rest of the body. However, they can be frustrating to treat, become very inflamed, and occur in locations that interfere with tack.

Unlike some of the other types of skin cancers, there does not seem to be a color predisposition to development of sarcoids. The development of sarcoids is the result of an individual horse’s immune system/genetic susceptibility and exposure to the bovine papilloma virus.

The location and type of sarcoid determines the best treatment. Unfortunately, there is not any one treatment approach effective for all sarcoids, and individual sarcoids of the same type may respond differently to the same treatment. Treatment can involve topical chemotherapy or chemotherapy injected into the sarcoid, surgical excision, laser surgical excision, immune therapy, electrochemotherapy, or radiation. Incomplete removal of a sarcoid can lead to recurrence at the same site and a more aggressive sarcoid.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common skin cancer in horses. This tumor type develops from skin cells and is seen more commonly on pink skin. Common locations include the eyelids and external genitalia. In addition to horses with pink skin, such as Appaloosas and paints, Belgians and Haflingers may be predisposed to SCC.

Early SCC can appear as a depigmented patch of skin or dry crusting area, progressing to an ulcerated, raised, or cauliflower-like mass. It is best to be proactive about these lesions early, since removal becomes more challenging with increasing size. Always closely monitor areas of pink skin on your horse.

Treatment options for SCC include surgical removal of the mass, local treatment with chemotherapy, CO2 laser treatment, and cryotherapy. Larger and more complex masses, or those involving significant portions of the eye or eyelid might require removal in a hospital setting by a surgeon. At-risk horses benefit from wearing a UV-protective sheet when UV-exposure is high, as well as a UV-protective fly mask. Remember to check your horse’s eyes daily when wearing a fly mask.

Melanomas

Although human melanomas are frequently associated with UV-exposure, melanomas in horses are usually associated with coat color, with up to 80% of gray horses developing melanomas at some point during their lifetime. Melanomas arise from melanocyte cells, which produce the pigment of the skin. Depending on tumor location, melanomas can dramatically impact the horse’s quality of life. At times they may ulcerate and exude a tarry dark substance (melanin).

Common locations of melanomas include the underside of the tail, around the rectum and external genitalia, and around the mouth. Melanomas can also spread to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, and lungs. Surgical removal of external masses when they are small is recommended, and surgical removal is more effective than medical therapies.

Medical therapies include local injection with chemotherapy, cimetidine (an antihistamine, with mixed results), and a newer option: a melanoma vaccine. A canine melanoma vaccine has already been developed, so similar research is underway for an equine melanoma vaccine. The idea is to create a vaccine unique to that horse to stimulate the immune system to target melanoma cells. While the vaccine does show some promise in reducing tumor size, it unfortunately isn’t a guaranteed cure.

Bottom line: be proactive in monitoring your horse’s skin, and contact your veterinarian if you observe any suspicious skin lesions.

Top of Form

Should my horse get a strangles vaccine?

Most horse people are familiar with the dreaded “s- word”: strangles. But if there is a strangles vaccine available, why isn’t vaccination essential for all horses, like the rabies vaccine?

What is strangles?

Equine strangles is caused by infection with the bacteria Streptococcus equi var equi, causing mild to severe upper respiratory infection. Complications from infection can occasionally be fatal, but most horses fully recover. Strangles is a high morbidity disease, meaning it is extremely contagious in susceptible populations.  Proper biosecurity measures are crucial to limit the scope of an outbreak.

Pony with Strangles shows swelling from abscessed lymph nodes

Signs of strangles include fever, swelling of the lymph nodes (especially in the throat latch area), loss of appetite, cough, and significant mucoid yellow nasal discharge. The bacteria mobilize to the lymph nodes and causes intense immune response, so frequently these lymph nodes abscess open and drain. The term strangles originated from the harsh respiratory noise heard when severe swelling and lymph node abscesses can impair the horse’s ability to breathe.

Most infected horses respond well to supportive care. Supportive measures include anti-inflammatories, hot-packing of abscesses, and rest. More severe cases may benefit from hospitalization and antibiotics. To prevent the spread of strangles, hospitalized cases are managed in the isolation unit.

How does strangles spread?

Strangles is easily spread by horse-to-horse contact and via contaminated surfaces, such as handler clothing and hands, grooming equipment, and water troughs. Most horses will clear the infection within 3-6 weeks, but it is possible for some horses to recover fully and remain shedders of strangles. These horses appear healthy but will shed the bacteria and continue to infect other horses. Upon recovering from strangles, horses will be protected against reinfection for variable periods of time, sometimes even a few years.

Strangles vaccine options

Two types of strangles vaccines are available. One is a “killed” vaccine, meaning it contains dead/inactivated strangles. This vaccine is administered intramuscularly.  Killed vaccines produce a weaker immune response, so it is still possible for a horse vaccinated with this vaccine to develop strangles if exposed. Per the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the killed vaccine should not be expected to prevent disease. It may be effective in lessening the severity of infection. There is also an increased risk of vaccine site reaction with this product.

The second type of vaccine is called a “modified live” vaccine. This vaccine type uses a weakened form of strangles to stimulate a stronger immune response. In order to accomplish this, the vaccine is administered intranasally to target the same tissues as natural strangles infection. However, it is also possible for this modified live vaccine to cause lymph node abscesses, much like natural strangles infection. Horses that have natural immunity to strangles (those who have recovered from infection) have a higher risk of adverse reactions to strangles vaccination.

Should my horse have the strangles vaccine?

The take-home point is that we currently lack a perfect strangles vaccine. If your horse is in a high-risk population, discuss the pros and cons of strangles vaccination with your veterinarian to evaluate if strangles vaccination is worthwhile. It is important to remember that vaccination does not guarantee that your horse will not get strangles. Proper biosecurity is essential to prevent and limit strangles outbreaks.

How to care for minor wounds

Most horse owners are comfortable treating minor** scrapes and wounds on our ever-accident prone horses. But the myriad of available topical products can be overwhelming – what is best to use and when?

**As always, if you have ANY concern over the depth of the wound, if it’s a grossly contaminated wound, a wound near a joint, a puncture, or there’s a potential need for sutures, ALWAYS check with your veterinarian BEFORE applying any topical product.**

What is ‘Minor’?

First, let’s review what can be considered a minor scrape or wound. Most superficial wounds over areas of dense muscle (such as side of shoulder) or far from joints/tendon sheath/other sensitive areas (such as scrape over front of cannon bone) and only partially breaking the skin can be doctored at home.

Avoid application of caustic or potentially painful options, such as alcohol and hydrogen peroxide- these can be damaging to exposed tissue. Look for products that contain a list of ingredients- if you don’t know what’s in it, why would you apply it to your horse?

Superficial Wounds

For superficial abrasions and areas that cannot easily be bandaged, a liquid bandage product such as Alushield or Aluspray is a great option. In its aerosol form, it is easy to apply, allows necessary airflow to promote healing, and protects against wound irritants.

bandage on the leg of horse

Bandaged Wounds

For wounds that are protected with a bandage, the ideal topical product depends on the stage of wound healing. Large fresh wounds that tend to leak large amounts of fluid will not benefit from an ointment- they are too wet (and should be evaluated by your vet!) Less exudative bandaged wounds can benefit from topicals such as Neosporin (triple antibiotic), silver sulfadiazine (SSD), or manuka/medical grade honey. All of these options have anti-microbial properties and preserve a moist healing environment while promoting epithelialization of the wound.

Dealing with Granulation (proud flesh)

In later stages of wound healing, horses commonly produce excessive granulation tissue, also known as proud flesh. Proud flesh can be identified by its appearance as lumpy red tissue that may bulge over the margins of the wound and bleeds very easily.

Proud flesh is especially common on slow healing wounds of the lower limbs that require prolonged bandaging. The good news is that while it has impressive blood flow, proud flesh lacks sensation, allowing your veterinarian to debride and flatten this extra tissue if needed. A combination antibiotic and steroid ointment such as Panalog is often used over proud flesh to help smooth out the granulation tissue so that the wound can continue to contract and heal. Once the granulation tissue is flat and healthy, it is not necessary to apply panalog. Some wounds alternate between proud and healthy granulation tissue during the healing process, so we may alternate applications of panalog or manuka honey depending on how the wound looks at each bandage change.

Ensure your first aid kit is well stocked with a thermometer, clean bandaging material, and a few of the topicals previously mentioned. When you discover a wound on your horse, take a minute to assess its location and depth. And if in doubt, a phone call and photo to your vet is always a good idea to determine best treatment and optimum healing.

Equine Cushings Disease

Most horse owners have heard about equine Cushings disease and are familiar with some of the common clinical signs: a long curly haircoat, delayed shedding, topline loss, pot-bellied appearance, and sometimes laminitis. Additional signs include recurrent infections, delayed healing, increased water intake and urination, and lethargy. Especially as our equine companions live longer than ever before, a diagnosis of Cushings disease is very common. But what causes these clinical signs and what can be done for horses with this condition?

What is Equine Cushings/PPID?

Equine Cushings is the most common endocrine disease in our older horse population. Cushings in humans and dogs differs from the equine condition, so equine Cushings is more accurately known as PPID (pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction).

The small pituitary gland is found at the base of the brain near the hypothalamus. It is composed of three different parts, each with unique functions. As indicated by the name, PPID affects the pars intermedia portion of the pituitary gland. The neighboring hypothalamus helps regulate the pituitary’s secretion of hormones. When this regulation is disrupted, the pituitary continues to secrete hormones unchecked. Usually the hypothalamus releases dopamine, a hormone, to signal the pars intermedia to stop producing hormones. In older horses and PPID affected horses, there is less dopamine to inhibit the pars intermedia, so it continues releasing hormones and increases in size. The increased amounts of these hormones, including one called ACTH, affect your horse’s thirst, thermoregulation, and response to stress.

Photo by Moriah Wolfe on Unsplash

How to Diagnose PPID

Diagnosis of PPID is made with blood work to measure the level of the ACTH hormone. Completion of full metabolic panel in addition to ACTH level is important to investigate other hormones that may also be affected, such as insulin and leptin. One important consideration is the time of year when blood is drawn, as ACTH levels of all horses increase during the transitional fall period (approx. mid August through end of November).

PPID Treatment Options

PPID is a manageable, but not curable condition. The mainstay of treatment of PPID involves daily administration of pergolide (prascend). This medication helps reduce ACTH levels and improve clinical signs. Horse owners report improvement in shedding, better maintenance/building of topline, and improved attitude/appetite. Treatment of PPID can also help reduce circulating insulin levels in those horses that experience elevated insulin secondary to PPID, thus reducing the risk of laminitis. For horses with concurrent insulin dysregulation, additional medications and dietary management may be indicated to further mitigate the risk of laminitis. Many herbal remedies claim to aid in treatment of PPID, such as chasteberry, but studies have failed to prove any benefits of supplementation. Treating PPID with pergolide improves both quality and length of life for affected horses.

Horse Show/Travel Biosecurity

The arrival of spring means long-awaited opportunities for trail riding, clinics, and horse shows. However, travel, new stabling, and the mixing of horse populations can also provide the perfect conditions for the spread of disease. With a little planning and biosecurity awareness, you can minimize potential risks to your horse.

What is Biosecurity?

Biosecurity refers to the preventative measures taken to minimize spread of disease. The most commonly encountered infectious diseases include influenza (flu), rhinopneumonitis (equine herpes virus), and strangles. While many horses are vaccinated against these diseases, vaccination does not guarantee 100% protection and does not negate the need for biosecurity.

How do I take effective biosecurity measures?

Some biosecurity measures are common sense – such as not allowing your horse to have nose-to-nose contact with other horses. Other measures are more complex.

First, consider your destination. Horse show venues and campgrounds may have specific requirements for incoming horses, such as a current Coggins test, health certificate, and proof of up-to-date vaccination. Remember to keep your veterinarian apprised of your summer travel plans so that you have all required documentation prior to your departure. While it can be frustrating to manage differing requirements, remember they are put in place for the health and safety of the horse.

When arriving at a campground or show stable, examine the housing for your horse prior to unloading. Look for overall cleanliness – an area free of manure and old bedding. It’s worth asking the venue how facilities are cleaned between horses prior to your arrival. Dirt floors and other porous surfaces are much harder to disinfect since organic debris can inactivate cleaners such as bleach.

Simple and easy biosecurity measures:

  • Prevent all direct contact between your horse and others (no nose-to-nose!)
  • Avoid sharing equipment with others, including; tack, grooming supplies, wheelbarrow, pitchfork, etc.
  • Avoid communal water sources/sharing hoses between horses. Dropping the end of the hose into multiple water buckets can transmit disease.
  • Wash your hands frequently and after touching any other horses.
  • Pack your horse’s thermometer. If your horse appears “off” a fever may be present before he is contagious to others.
  • Don’t forget to clean and disinfect your trailer regularly too!

Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy riding season!

Wet Weather Hoof Troubles: Thrush and Abscess

While we are always grateful for precipitation here in Colorado, wet and muddy conditions contribute to the development of two common horse hoof conditions: abscesses and thrush.

Abscesses

A hoof abscess commonly presents as an acute onset severe lameness without obvious signs of injury. Abscesses occur when bacteria is trapped within the foot. Wet conditions can soften the foot, allowing easier access of bacteria. A deep bruise, hot nail, or other foreign body can also lead to abscess formation. Horses with poor hoof quality or white line disease can be more susceptible to abscesses.

Exam findings that help your vet localize the lameness to the foot include an increased digital pulse, localized warmth of the foot, and sensitivity to hoof testers. Radiographs may be recommended to rule out other more serious problems or foreign bodies. In some cases, radiographs may show a tell-tale pocket of gas (infection).

Most abscess resolve in about 7-10 days. The key to improved comfort is drainage of the abscess, resulting in relief of pressure. Care during this time includes application of a poultice to allow drainage while also keeping the foot clean. The most common methods used are a medicated poultice pad (Animalintex) or packing the foot with magnapaste. Both methods help draw out infection and are much easier (and more quickly successful) than soaking your horse’s foot in a bucket of warm water and Epsom salt. A drainage tract is needed for healing, but this tract can potentially allow more bacteria back into the foot, so a proper foot wrap over a poultice pad or magnapaste is essential for cleanliness. Elastikon and duct tape are invaluable for a good foot bandage!

Thrush

Thrush is another common hoof condition linked to wet conditions. You may notice a strong odor when picking your horse’s feet, and wet dark material along the sides and center of the frog. The odor is due to infection with anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that thrive in areas with little to no oxygen). Severe infection can cause sensitivity when using the hoof pick or pressing on infected areas, and sometimes lameness.

Poor hoof conformation and infrequent farrier care can contribute to the development of thrush. Treatment options for thrush include topical drying/antibacterial products (Thrushbuster, dilute betadine, copper sulfate, etc) and farrier work to remove exfoliating frog that may trap additional moisture. A dry environment is also critical.

Observing an acute onset severe lameness in your horse warrants at least a conversation with your vet and most likely an exam. Good management, including a clean dry environment, regular farrier care, and checking/picking out your horse’s feet daily can help minimize his risk of developing a hoof abscess or thrush.

Street Nails – Call your vet immediately

No matter how safe their environment may be, horses will always manage to find trouble. Unfortunately, a not-so-uncommon equine emergency is a sharp object that has penetrated through the bottom of the hoof, also known as a street nail. Any penetrating injury to the bottom of your horse’s foot is an emergency, and timely assessment is essential for the best outcome.

The number one rule for the horse owner is NEVER REMOVE THE NAIL before talking with your veterinarian! The exact location of the nail is crucial for determining the best treatment for your horse. ALWAYS call your vet first! Sometimes a photo can help your vet offer the best advice before evaluation.

Nail prior to removal

In general, foreign objects to the back third of the foot present the highest risk because of the position of important structures and the consequences of infection.

Nail Prior to Removal

Your vet will take radiographs of your horse’s foot prior to removal of the nail to determine its exact location. If the nail has been removed or fallen out, special dye can be injected along its tract that will show up on the radiographs, but it is more informative to leave the nail in place if possible! If the nail falls out prior to evaluation, save it and mark the depth of its tract if possible.

Dye injected along nail tract

The next step is beginning treatment, depending on the location of the nail. If the nail is well embedded, temporary numbing of the horse’s foot enables non-painful removal. The nail tract will then be flushed to remove dirt and debris. A bandage, sometimes including a drawing poultice, is applied to ensure the tract remains clean during healing. Sometimes a hoof abscess can develop during healing. Depending on the nail location, a technique called a regional limb perfusion may also be used.

Performed on the sedated horse, a regional limb perfusion involves the placement of a tourniquet on the limb above the hoof, allowing for antibiotic injection into a vein below the tourniquet. The tourniquet is left in place for up to 30 minutes to allow a higher concentration of antibiotic in the limb below the tourniquet.

If the location of the nail is in a critical location, such as through the center of the frog or potentially involving the tendon sheath or navicular bursa, prompt surgical flushing at a referral hospital is the best treatment to minimize the risk of fatal or career-ending infection.

Timely treatment of any penetrating wound to the foot is imperative for the best outcome!

How to Keep Donkeys and Mules Healthy

Donkeys and mules are readily recognizable by their distinguished large ears. These equids frequently have the reputation of requiring less veterinary attention. Although they are certainly more stoic (and perhaps smarter!) than horses, they still need—and deserve—the same preventative veterinary care and routine farrier work.

Image by Marzena P. from Pixabay

The long-eared can fall into a few categories, so here are the basic definitions:

Donkey: Like the horse, the donkey is in the Equidae family. The donkey is derived from the African wild ass and was likely domesticated about 5000-6000 years ago in Africa. Male donkeys are called jacks, female donkeys are called jennys.

Mule: mare/jack cross. Mules are sterile.

Hinny: stallion/jenny cross. Hinnys are sterile.

Image by Ralphs_Fotos from Pixabay

Donkeys and mules are thrifty, able to work hard and survive in barren conditions. Donkeys in particular are adapted to digest fiber of poor nutritional quality and they have lower daily intake requirements to maintain body weight. This heartiness is especially problematic in our non-working donkeys, as they tend to be easy keepers prone to obesity and related conditions, such as laminitis.

The stoicism of the donkey also means that health issues are frequently not observed as quickly as in horses. Donkeys can become extremely ill when health conditions cause them to stop eating, leading to high levels of fat mobilization within the bloodstream, or hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia can be fatal unless treated aggressively. Signs of illness or pain in a donkey can be easily overlooked. Typically, the first sign of a problem is decreased water or food intake, but signs can also be as subtle as less interest in the surrounding environment and decreased social behavior with other donkeys. In addition, donkeys and mules can suffer from all the same ailments as horses, including colic, respiratory disease, hoof abscesses, and gastric ulcers.

Image by Christine Sponchia from Pixabay

Other considerations

While they have the reputation for being stubborn, frequently this behavior is due to a donkey taking time to assess a new situation. Donkeys are less likely to panic than horses, and more likely to protest- fight instead of flight! They also form strong bonds with other donkeys, so for travel or hospitalization, a donkey companion is a great way to minimize additional stress.

free day womens burro race” by ken ratcliff is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Recommended veterinary care for donkeys and mules includes the recommended yearly core vaccinations (rabies, tetanus, eastern and western encephalitis, and West Nile) as well as routine veterinary dental care and targeted deworming. Although most donkeys in our community are non-athletes, many Colorado donkeys participate in burro racing, the official sport of Colorado! This is a great way to bond with your donkey and help keep him fit. Whether your donkey or mule is a backyard companion or burro racing champion, don’t forget to ensure he has access to the same care as your horses!