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Caring for the geriatric donkey with dental disease

02 March 2022
5 mins read
Volume 6 · Issue 2
Figure 1. Geriatric donkeys should receive a dental examination every 6 months.
Figure 1. Geriatric donkeys should receive a dental examination every 6 months.

Abstract

Many donkeys are now kept as pets rather than as working animals, meaning they often live longer, with many now reaching 20 years old and being classed as geriatric. These patients often require specialist treatment and management, as they are prone to conditions such as dental disease. Vets and registered veterinary nurses who are caring for geriatric donkeys with dental disease at their practice can help to increase comfort in several ways. The owners of geriatric donkeys with dental disease should be fully involved with any treatment plans and fully supported through any management changes.

Geriatric donkeys are at a high risk of suffering moderate to severe dental disease (Fernandez et al, 2021). This is a significant consideration, as it is well recognised that dental pain is one of the most severe sources of pain in horses and ponies, and this is no different for the donkey (Evans and Crane, 2018). Dental pain can lead to inappetence, colic and hyperlipaemia (Burden et al, 2010). Therefore, it is important that vets and registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) working in equine practice are aware of the individualised care required by geriatric donkeys with dental disease.

Some specific dental diseases occur more commonly in geriatric donkeys. In a study involving dental examinations of 357 donkeys, Du Toit et al (2009) found a high prevalence of diastemata, with 76% in donkeys aged 20 years and over affected. Diastemata can be defined as abnormal spaces between adjacent teeth with or without food impaction (Du Toit et al, 2009). The presence of missing teeth was also significantly associated with age, with a prevalence of more than 41% in donkeys aged 20 years and over. Du Toit et al (2009) also found that overgrown teeth were more likely to be present in older donkeys, with a prevalence of 60% in donkeys aged 20 years and over. Additionally, they found that worn teeth, periodontal disease and displaced teeth were also positively associated with old age in the donkeys studied. Du Toit et al (2009) highlighted the importance of managing dental disorders from a young age in donkeys, to prevent progression of significant dental disorders early on in life, especially as many donkeys can live for 35 years or more.

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