Neonatal Care and Considerations
摘要
Neonatology in donkeys and mules presents unique challenges for veterinarians and professionals working with these animals. While many conditions occur and should be managed similarly to other equine neonates, there are distinct physiological differences that must be considered in these species. Available literature on neonatal care in donkeys and mules is limited, particularly for mules, and is nearly nonexistent for hinnies. Most publications consist of case reports or surveillance data that include donkeys and/or mules alongside horses, often without sufficient detail for direct comparison. Comprehensive resources specifically dedicated to these animals remain scarce, with only few books and isolated chapters addressing their unique characteristics. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the key differences in neonatal care for donkeys and mules, emphasizing aspects of the immediate postpartum period and discussing the primary diseases affecting neonates of these species.