Signs of Starvation in Miniature Donkeys

Starvation is sometimes not noticed until the ribs and hip bones of the miniature donkey are protruding. However, there are numerous other signs such as depression, hair loss or poor coat quality, jaundice and isolation from the herd. Miniature donkeys who are fed on a daily basis can still suffer from starvation if the feed they are receiving is poor quality, lacking the proper nutrients to maintain an acceptable body conditioning score (BCS).

  1. Poor Muscle Conditioning

    • An miniature donkey that is starving will exhibit poor body condition. The ribs become plainly visible and muscle wastage occurs along the back, over the loins and in the large muscles of the quarters. Body condition scores were developed in Africa but are currently used throughout the world to determine the condition of the animal and whether it is showing signs of starvation. The score should be neither fat (above 3.5) nor thin (below 2). The skeletal structure should be well covered with healthy, fit muscle, rounding the contours of the body.

    Hair Loss

    • Emaciated donkeys lose hair due to a lack of nutrition. The hair loss can be small patches or include the entire body.

    Depression

    • A depressed miniature donkey shows a marked decrease in activity. He withdraws, spends most of his time lying down, is disinterested in his surroundings and exhibits little or no interest in eating.

    Jaundiced Eyes

    • A miniature donkey that is starving will have a yellow discoloration in the whites of his eyes and mucous membranes of the mouth, caused by an accumulation of bile pigments in the serum and tissues. This condition is usually associated with liver disease or the destruction of red blood cells.

    Lack of Interaction with Herd

    • Donkeys are herd animals who feel safe when grazing with others. However, an emaciated donkey typically will isolate himself from the herd.