Please understand that donkeys are not horses with long ears. They metabolize food and drugs differently from horses, and they need to be treated by a veterinarian experienced with them. Fat lumps can be felt and seen on the donkey’s neck and throughout the body. Please be sure to ask your veterinarian to do his/her research before treating a donkey with drugs and surgery. Please ask your veterinarian to check all lumps you find quickly.
What causes sarcoids?
No one knows for sure what causes sarcoids, but we do know that:
- They are infectious and linked to a virus called ‘bovine papillo mavirus’
- Flies play a role in their spread, so insect control is important, particularly during summer.
- Certain animals are more susceptible than others. All equine can get a sarcoid.
Where are sarcoids found?
Sarcoids are most often found on the head, legs, and trunk. Unfortunately, male donkeys can develop sarcoids on their pennis or sheath.
Sarcoids may develop at sites of wounds and areas where trauma or injury has occurred.
Check your donkey regularly for new lumps with your hands. Include this in your daily grooming routine.
Drug Metabolism In Donkeys:
Donkeys digest drugs differently from horses. They process drugs much faster than horses. As a result, practitioners should prescribe drugs carefully—less is more with donkeys—to ensure the donkey does not overdose and die from the drug. Each donkey is a unique individual. Some donkeys need far fewer drugs for pain or sedation, so again, it’s best to treat each donkey with extreme caution regarding drugs and sedation.
Resources:
Sarcoids Bell Equine Veterinary
