I’m not asking for specific medical advice, just a ballpark guess. We have a couple of mini donkeys and our littlest one had had something bad happen to it. Last night he was just fine, but this morning we found him in the pasture walking in a tight circle over and over. It almost seems as if his left side is paralyzed.
I’m not sure what to make of it. I know he’s in trouble and we have a call into our vet, but he can make it out here for a couple of hours. I’m thinking either he had a stroke or possibly got bit by a venomous snake. Any one know the symptoms of either in a donkey?
Right now or hearts are broken and I don’t want little Snowden suffering. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
You might ask a mod to change the thread title to say ‘veterinarians’ so as not to turn away people who may be able to help, but who may think this is another military thread.
Does he look bloated? Does he seem to be hot or feverish? I am not a “horse person,” but once took care of a pony who foundered when she got into the grain supplies. It could be founder:
Could it be sleeping sickness?
Got kicked in the head?
Have you called the Vet(horse Dr)??
Where are you located? That could give people an idea of what is happening where
Walking in circles is indicative of neurological problems. Especially if he’s also holding his head at a tilt. Hopefully you’ve called the vet by now because little Snowden needs professional help.
Our kitty did that last year. She was about 18 and had been having gradual kidney failure and thyroid problems so we weren’t entirely surprised. But when we woke up one morning and she was walking in circles, eyes dilated, holding her head askew and staying close to the walls like a rat, I knew she’d had a stroke and her time had come. It still makes me sad, but she had a good, long life.
The vet is on his way, wish he’d hurry up. Snowden is laying on his side, breathing very rapidly. He’s only three, way too young for this. I feel so bad for the little guy. His best friend, Frosty, another mini donkey is in near hysterics. Turning out to be a bad day. I’ll update when I know more. Thanks for the well wishes
Well, the vet just left and the news isn’t good. He diagnosed encephalitis. Without a test he can’t say which strain, but if it’s West Nile there is zero chance of survival. The other two types have a 10% and 30% chance of recovery. So I guess now we have to sit and wait. Hopefully little Snowden will pull through. Please keep him in your prayers tonight. Thanks. I’ll update in the morning.
Veterinarian, here. I am sorry to hear about your poor Snowden. Not to add insult to injury, but ANY neurologic patient must be regarded as a Rabies suspect. So if Snowden doesn’t pull through, I urge you to have him tested for the sake of his pasture mate.
I hope he is able to make a full recovery from whatever is plaguing him.
For the sake of the other pasturemate, if it is not vaccinated, vaccinate it! If it is WNV or any of the other four major viral equine encephalitides, there are vaccines available. For the very least get the rabies vaccine and the vaccines against the mosquito-born diseases. You already know you have them in your area (poor Snowden!), don’t let them take your other precious!
Best of luck to Snowden.