Donkeys are not Horses!
Alternative Medicine for Donkeys
incl. donkeys, mules, hinnies
If you wish, go straight to the DISEASES list
Homeopathy – Herbs – Acupuncture – Chiropractic – Holistic Medicine – Natural Feeding
Many aspects of donkey management and disease treatment are similar to those of horses. For this reason, some of the help you require may be found in the horse pages.
However, donkeys are so often ‘lumped’ with horses when, in reality, there are so many aspects of donkey management and illness which are quite different. Donkeys may appear to be very phlegmatic and disinterested but they have very deep feelings and emotions. Their disease patterns also run deep, when compared with horses. Signs and symptoms are often less dramatic and come on insidiously, thus remaining hidden for longer. Donkeys are also very prone to stress and bereavement. The result of all these factors is that they may present with relatively serious disease quite unexpectedly. Homeopathy is a form of medicine that not only recognises emotions and feelings, it also incorporates them in the process of medicine selection, thus attending to both the physical and the mental. Acupuncture is also well-accepted. As with other equines, herbal medicine (herbs) and chiropractic manipulation are well-suited to donkeys.
These differences apart, we still need to concentrate on diet and other lifestyle aspects, as with other species, before applying the healing stimulus of natural medicine.
Foot trimming can be a major issue. If donkeys are kept under conditions that do not keep their feet naturally worn, regular checking and trimming is vital.
When we see donkeys, we look closely at previous veterinary history and results of any tests or investigations. We take an extensive history, enquire into diet and lifestyle, ask about management of the grazing and environment, examine the patient closely and select appropriate therapy, whether homeopathic, herbal, acupuncture, chiropractic or other therapy. It may even be an integrated combination of these. We also advise on future management for health, to boost our chances of a successful outcome.
While representing an approach that is alternative to the conventional way, the use of homeopathy, acupuncture, herbs and other alternative therapies does not rule out the need for a proper examination and assessment of each individual patient, necessary diagnostic tests, appropriate measures to repair injury and a study of natural lifestyle and diet, in order to be able to speed recovery. We have enjoyed a good measure of success through this methodology, seeing, as in other species, recoveries from diseases which are usually associated with a poor prognosis in conventional terms and wisdom.
Donkeys accept Acupuncture very well, as with horses. If an occasional donkey patient objects, we do not sedate. Not only is that a potentially toxic drug input but it also corrupts or annihilates the body's proper responses to treatment. Instead, we offer painless LASER Acupuncture, which they tend to find very relaxing. Homeopathy and Herbs are also well-suited to donkeys. As with horses, Chiropractic manipulation can be necessary for optimum welfare and health.
- Have you ever been told that your donkey is now untreatable?
- Are you concerned about the safety of some modern drugs for your donkey?
- Do you know what is in the foods or supplements you are using?
- Are you confused by manufacturers' claims?
There may be another way …. Holistic methodology may provide some of the answers you are seeking.
See also:
| First-Aid |
| Donkey Topics |
| Hoof Care |
| Case Histories |
| Donkey Diseases |
| Nutrition and Natural Feeding |
| Pasture Management |
| Poisonous Plants |
| Beneficial Plants |
| Preventive Medicine |
| Zoonoses |
| Notifiable Diseases |
DISEASES
To give examples, these conditions have been seen and treated by the AVMC:
Click on any condition for more information. Send a request if a disease is not shown or is not yet covered. N.B. Some of these links are in preparation.
While the only promises that can be made are that we will always concentrate and put in maximum effort on your donkey’s behalf, and strive for excellence in the application of holistic natural medicine techniques, we are able to report an encouraging level of success in such troublesome and chronic conditions. A great many creatures have surprised their human companions with their ability to defy prognosis and recover. Follow a full holistic program and rely on the animal’s innate healing ability.
See also: Pet Care
Donkey (Ass) vital information:
Reasonable life expectancy 35 – 50 years
| Rectal Temperature | Respiratory Rate | Heart Rate |
Gestation Period |
| ~ 98.8oF / 37.1oC | 20 breaths per minute | 50 (40-56) | 365 days |
One-stop service for veterinary homeopathy, veterinary acupuncture, veterinary herbs, veterinary chiropractic, LASER therapy and other natural therapies.
Main Treatments offered (see Therapies):
- Homeopathic treatment
- Acupuncture treatment
- Herbal treatment (Phytotherapy)
- Aromatherapy treatment
- Chiropractic treatment
- Nutritional advice – Feeding advice
- LASER treatment
- Ultrasound treatment
- Back manipulation – Back treatment
- Bach Flowers
- Holistic medicine – Holistic veterinary medicine
- Flower Essences
- Tissue Salts
- Holistic therapy – Holistic treatment – Holistic care
- Holistic advice
- Integrated medicine (Integrative medicine)
- Anthroposophical medicines – Anthroposophy
- Natural medicine – Alternative medicine – complimentary medicine
- CAM – CAVM
- Natural Feeding – Natural Diet
These approaches represent a philosophy that is alternative to the current conventional norm but the use of alternative therapies does not do away with the need for a thorough examination and assessment. Nor does it preclude the use of modern diagnostic techniques where necessary. A holistic vet will take into account all these things, in addition to closely scrutinizing lifestyle, grazing, diet, environment etc.
