Intrinsic characteristics of donkeys that affect drug treatment.
Authors: Lizarraga Ignacio, Castillo-Alcala Fernanda
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Drug Treatment Considerations in Donkeys Donkeys possess distinct physiological and behavioural characteristics that fundamentally alter how veterinary practitioners should approach pharmacological treatment, yet many therapeutic protocols remain extrapolated directly from equine research despite significant differences between the species. Lizarraga and Castillo-Alcala conducted a comprehensive review of the intrinsic donkey characteristics affecting drug metabolism and efficacy, synthesising current knowledge on anatomical, physiological and behavioural factors that influence treatment outcomes. Key findings highlight that donkeys exhibit superior water conservation and metabolise xenobiotics through cytochrome P450 enzymes more efficiently than horses, necessitating species-specific dosing; additionally, accurate live weight estimation and pain assessment—both challenging in donkey populations—are critical variables that practitioners frequently misjudge. The authors emphasise that whilst therapeutic regimens now exist for certain drugs in donkeys, the majority of medications remain empirically dosed from equine protocols, creating potential for both under- and over-treatment. For farriers, veterinarians, and other equine professionals, this review underscores the importance of donkey-specific clinical knowledge when prescribing; given that donkeys are classified as a minor species with few licensed medications and face lower economic prioritisation in some regions, evidence-based rather than horse-derived dosing protocols represent a significant opportunity to improve welfare outcomes and treatment efficacy.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Do not automatically use horse drug protocols for donkeys—their cytochrome P450 efficiency and water metabolism mean they may require different doses and drug selections
- •Invest time in accurate weight assessment and pain evaluation for donkeys, as these directly impact treatment efficacy and safety
- •Recognize that donkeys are classified as a minor species with fewer approved medications; consult evidence-based donkey-specific guidelines rather than assuming equine protocols apply
Key Findings
- •Donkeys have distinct behavioral, anatomical, and physiological characteristics that differentiate them from horses and affect drug selection and dosing
- •Donkeys are highly efficient at water conservation and metabolizing xenobiotics via cytochrome P450 enzymes, requiring adjusted pharmacological approaches
- •Many therapeutic regimens for donkeys are extrapolated from horses despite species differences, creating knowledge gaps in veterinary practice
- •Accurate live weight estimation and pain recognition are critical factors for appropriate pharmacological treatment in donkeys