Leading animal welfare charity, The Donkey Sanctuary has published the official edition of its professional textbook, The Clinical Companion of Donkey Dentistry, as a definitive guide for vets and equine dental specialists worldwide.
The handbook was first printed in 2019 as a prototype for delegates at the BEVA Congress in Birmingham, UK.
The new, upgraded paperback edition is available from the Troubador website at a cost of £25.00. The guide will also be available to buy from the charity’s online shop from 16 November.
The textbook can also be downloaded free of charge as a PDF on The Donkey Sanctuary website.
The title is the first in a series of specialist, in-depth handbooks complementing The Clinical Companion of the Donkey textbook, which equine professionals consider an indispensable support to anyone caring for donkeys and mules.
Dental disease is the second most common clinical problem encountered in donkeys, after disorders of the feet and has the potential to cause significant pain.
Donkey teeth are designed to wear constantly as they are continual grazers and thrive on a diet of highly fibrous and tough to chew food, making preventive dentistry essential. The new book aims to increase awareness, and confidence of professionals in carrying out dental care and treatment in donkeys.
The Clinical Companion of Donkey Dentistry enables The Donkey Sanctuary to share its vast knowledge and experience in donkey and mule dentistry to improve the health and welfare of donkeys globally.
The book is illustrated with colour photos and diagrams over almost 250 pages and includes a handy list of definitions of the common dental disorders affecting donkeys.
The Donkey Sanctuary’s Gemma Lilly – BEVA/BVDA examiner and former Chair of The British Association of Equine Dental Technicians said: “The Clinical Companion of Donkey Dentistry is our first addition to the Clinical Companion series. Our research suggests that dental disease has a prevalence of 73-93 percent in donkeys globally.
“Dental disease can have a profound effect on longevity, systemic health, welfare and quality of life, and subsequently a major concern for professionals and owners alike. This text will be a brilliant accompaniment to our future online courses, which start rolling out next year.
“We have included guidance on biosecurity, instrument maintenance and trouble-shooting, in addition to information on quality of life and specialist breeds such as the Mammoth Jack, Poitou, Zamorano-Leonés and Miniature Mediterranean donkeys. The content is applicable to the general equid population, so this is a relevant text for all dental technicians and vets.”
The Donkey Sanctuary is a global leader for equine welfare, research and veterinary care. The charity operates programmes worldwide for animals working in agriculture, industry and transportation.
