How long does an abscess take to heal in horses?

Can too much grass cause abscess in donkeys?

Our equines (that includes donkeys and mules) often have to endure the pain of a hoof abscess caused by too much rich grass, and can be affected even if they don’t appear to be overweight. Leg swelling can show up days before a hoof abscess bursts.

Is it dangerous for donkeys to eat grass?

For some donkeys even a few mouthfuls of grass can lead to an attack; grass that is lush or that has a build-up of sugars, as a result of dry weather or following a frost, is particularly dangerous.

Do mules and donkeys need the same care as horses?

Mules and donkeys are injured less often, they are less prone to colic, and they are less likely to develop common equine illnesses – with some exceptions, of course. They need the same basic care that is provided to horses because they can, and many will, suffer from the issues that plague horses. So what about grass founder in mules and donkeys?

What happens to donkeys when they get wet?

Donkeys evolved to live in arid desert conditions, so the wet UK weather can make them more prone to conditions such as foot abscesses, seedy toe (weak hoof walls) and thrush (infection of the frog and sole).

How often do horses get hoof abscesses?

Some horses only develop them once or twice in a lifetime; others can have chronic problems. In either case, abscesses are extremely painful for horses. If you are a horse owner and have never been confronted with a hoof abscess, odds are that sooner or later you will.

Do donkeys eat less food than horses?

It is generally accepted that the donkey can exist with less food than a horse. Donkeys and mules can utilize more mature, less digestible, more fibrous plant material than a horse. They are able metabolize their feed very efficiently and can be overfed very easily.

What happens if you feed a donkey hay without straw?

Feeding a donkey on grass and hay without providing any straw will end up over-supplying them with calories and energy, causing them to store the excess calories as fat. An overweight donkey is just as much a welfare case as an underweight donkey.

Do donkeys need to eat grass?

Donkeys don’t generally need to eat grass alongside hay/haylage for a large part of the year when nutrients are fairly high in growing grass. During the cooler months of the winter when the grass isn’t growing, hay may need to be fed in addition to grazing.

How often should I hoof my donkey or mule?

Hoof care for donkeys and mules is required every 6-8 weeks. There are differences in the conformation of the donkey hoof compared to the horse. In general, the hooves are more upright, tougher, and more elastic than those of a horse. The bulbs of the donkey hoof are less developed and the fusion of the bulbs of the heel is less complete.

Can donkeys eat oranges?

This vitamin C-rich fruit is another safe and delicious treat for your donkeys. Rich both in fiber and water, oranges are very healthy for donkeys to eat. Donkeys enjoy oranges just like their equine relative horses.

Can donkeys eat horse hay?

Much of the forage grown for horses is, therefore, too lush to safely make up the majority of the donkey’s diet. In fact, donkeys given access to pasture most of the year will not need much hay, even in the winter. And pastures should be grazed very carefully.

Can you feed donkeys straw?

Any straw fed to donkeys should be clean and dust- and mold-free, which can be challenging to find in the United States where straw is rarely grown with feeding in mind. If feeding hay to donkeys, ensure it is grass hay (no alfalfa) and as mature as possible.

What is the difference between donkeys and mules?

While training styles may differ slightly, donkeys and mules can perform in any capacity that a horse can. However, donkeys and mules do have some management differences based on their anatomy and unique behavior.

Do donkeys feel the Cold?

Donkeys are not well suited to cold, wet environments and need extra protection in the winter, new research has found. The findings have been incorporated into the UK’s updated Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Code of Practice for the welfare of horses, ponies, donkeys and their hybrids. Donkeys Feel the Cold | Horse Journals

Are mules and donkeys more prone to illness than horses?

It is actually an exaggeration of the truth. While mules and donkeys are not immune to many of the diseases and illnesses that horses contract, they are more resistant to them. Mules and donkeys are injured less often, they are less prone to colic, and they are less likely to develop common equine illnesses – with some exceptions, of course.

What happens if a horse breaks over too much?

Too much break over can result in health problems. The shoe extends back to the end of the hoof wall and supports the back of the entire leg. The back edge of the shoe is under a line drawn down the center of the cannon bone. The foot lands evenly from side to side as the horse walks.

What kind of hay do donkeys eat?

Rye, timothy, Bermuda and meadow grass hay are all acceptable types of hay to feed donkeys. Hay should be of horse quality, meaning it should be kept indoors out of bad weather and it should not be moldy or dusty when cut open.

Do donkeys eat straw?

Donkeys in captivity, like horses, need a diet of forage like hay and grass but unlike horses, donkeys also need straw. A donkey’s diet should be limited on grass but consist mostly of oat or barley straw. They can eat hay if grass is unavailable ( source ).

Should donkeys be put on grass?

Although it seems counterproductive, donkeys should not be put on pastures with lush, nutrient-rich grass. When left to free range on pastures full of rich grass, donkeys can develop laminitis and possibly end up becoming lame as a result. They are also more likely to become obese and suffer from hoof-related issues ( source ).

Can donkeys live with horses?

Although some donkeys may do okay in grassy pastures with horses, most of them may suffer the effects of grass overeating at some point. Straw should always be the bulk of a donkey’s daily diet. Hay or grass should compensate the rest.