Sick donkey please help

pawlukanis

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My jennett gave birth 3 weeks ago and sadly, and I mean sadly the foal died 6 days ago. The mother became visibly depressed and has now become sick herself. Since the loss of her foal she would just stand and mope but yesterday her behavior changed. She stood in the same spot for the better part of 3-4 hours, in the pouring rain.. I managed to get her in the barn, much resistance to move. Today she has been in her stall lying down and won't or cannot get up. Her legs are very cool to the touch and she just looks miserable. Yesterday I gave her Ivermectin based in her weight, she hated it and licked the ground right after. At the recommendation of our farrier I gave her milk of magnesia; 30cc and 30 cc of water which is a small dose but she didn't like it at all today. I will repeat every few hours to get an appropriate dose in her but I don't want to over stress her. I didn't see her eat yesterday and there are no visible signs of her relieving herself today. Since she will not or cannot get up taking her to the vet, a considerable distance away, is impossible. Please feel free to ask me more questions and please spare no advice. I will be completely devastated if I loose her too. Thank you
 

promiseacres

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Get a vet, get and keep her standing. Whatever is wrong I truly believe I had a donkey morn/sulk himself to death....
 

frustratedearthmother

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1. Call a vet!
2. Call a vet!!
3. Call a vet!!!

Have you taken her temperature? Did she appear sick before her foal died? Have you checked her udder? She could have mastitis, an infection from the birth, she could be foundering from a high temperature, or be full of parasites, or be colicky... Too many possibilities to diagnose here. She really does need a vet. You should be able to find one who will do a farm call.

I really hope you can get her on the path to health quickly. Good luck with her!
 

pawlukanis

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Vet is coming. Thank you for your help and reply. She appears better too.
 

frustratedearthmother

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I'm so glad to hear it! Please let us know how it turns out - we can all learn from each other!
 

pawlukanis

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Vet is coming. I swear this is what it genuinely feels like. She was absolutely fine until her foal died. After that she just stood around with her ears lowered to the sides and the terribly sad eyes. Now with her just lying down makes it worse. Thank you for your help and concern.
 

pawlukanis

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I like the profile picture, we have pygmys and I love those guys. Always happy, playful and mine love attention, all one can afford.
 

frustratedearthmother

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Thanks - I can't imagine my life without them! I've branched out to Nubians also now - but I'll never be without pygmies!
 
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