Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction and Metabolic Syndrome in Donkeys.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Equine Science
• Animal Physiology

Background:

• Donkeys are vital working animals and pets, yet medical care presents challenges due to physiological differences from horses.
• Standard equine diagnostic and therapeutic principles are often applied, but species-specific reference values and responses are crucial.
• Donkeys are susceptible to equine diseases like Asinine Metabolic Syndrome (AMS) and pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID).

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the unique medical care requirements for donkeys compared to horses.
• To review diagnostic approaches and physiological responses in donkeys for common equine diseases.
• To establish species-specific reference ranges and evaluate diagnostic tests for AMS and PPID in donkeys.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of diagnostic principles and physiological responses in donkeys.
• Evaluation of species-specific reference ranges for insulin and glucose.
• Assessment of dynamic tests (IVGTT, CITT) and diagnostic tests for PPID (dexamethasone suppression, TRH tests).

Main Results:

• Donkeys exhibit distinct reference values and physiological reactions in dynamic tests compared to horses.
• Asinine Metabolic Syndrome (AMS) diagnosis principles are similar to horses, with therapy focused on weight loss and exercise.
• Species- and season-specific reference ranges for PPID diagnosis were defined, with pergolide as a common treatment.

Conclusions:

• Donkey medical care necessitates understanding species-specific physiological differences and reference ranges.
• Accurate diagnosis of AMS and PPID in donkeys relies on tailored diagnostic protocols and reference values.
• Further research into donkey physiology and disease is essential for optimizing veterinary care.