Page 1048 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

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Figure 23.7 Donkey with Cushing’s disease

RESPIRATORY DISEASE

The donkey suffers from a similar range of respiratory disorders as the horse. The following
points should be noted.

• Herpesvirus infection. Donkeys can suffer from and carry the equine herpesvirus (EHV)
and a related asinine herpesvirus (AHV). The range of clinical signs seen is as in the

horse. Donkeys often live very sheltered lives and do not mix with a range of animals at
shows etc., and so may have low exposure to infection and poor natural immunity. This

means that a previously infected donkey that becomes sick or stressed may become an
infective shedder of virus particles. Care should be taken to isolate newly acquired
donkeys and take samples from those with signs of respiratory problems to minimize the

spread of disease.

• Influenza virus infections are seen in donkeys. They are reported to suffer more serious
clinical signs and to be at increased risk of developing secondary bacterial

bronchopneumonia than horses. Donkeys with influenza should be treated promptly with
antibiotics and have serum triglycerides monitored to avoid hyperlipaemia. Vaccination

against infection is strongly recommended.
• Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, the lungworm, is a parasite well adapted to the donkey host where