Poisoning in donkeys

Abstract

Poisoning in donkeys is occasionally reported, but most of the information on clinical signs and management is based on horses. Donkeys are most likely to be affected by toxic substances in their environment such as poisonous plants and pesticides. Cases of plant poisoning in donkeys have been reported, caused by yew, oleander, oak, Brunfelsia and plants containing hypoglycin A (such as sycamore), cyanogenic glycosides (such as cherry laurel) or pyrrolizidine alkaloids (such as ragwort or rattlepods). In many cases of acute plant poisoning, sudden death is the presenting sign. Pesticide poisoning risks include metaldehyde slug bait and anticoagulant rodenticides. Care should be taken when examining and treating donkeys because of differences in their behaviour, vital signs, laboratory parameters and therapeutics. Donkey-specific resources should be used. Treatment in most cases of poisoning in donkeys is supportive, with management of clinical signs and attempting to reduce progression of toxicosis, removal from exposure, and specific antidote administration where available, practical and clinically appropriate.