Owning any animal can be both challenging and rewarding. Although they have a reputation for being stubborn, donkeys can make great additions to an animal herd. But owners should first understand what it takes to keep them healthy before buying one.
Dr. Isabelle Louge, a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says donkeys flourish in dry climates because they are native to the desert environments of Northeast Africa.
“ In wet conditions without shelter, donkeys can easily develop rain rot, a bacterial skin infection that leads to scabs and hairless spots; scratches, an inflammatory skin condition that leads to skin breaks on their legs and is caused by a mix of bacteria, fungi, and parasites; and thrush, a bacterial and fungal infection that can cause damage to hooves,” Louge explained.
