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Date Posted: 23:19:41 12/10/02 Tue
Author: Cheri
Subject: Tuesday's horse fact..
In reply to: Cheri 's message, "A New Week! Daily Inspirations, and Horse Facts.." on 18:57:14 12/09/02 Mon



Health Concerns Of Mules and Donkeys..


Part 13..


A unique health problem that can afflict donkeys is hyperlipemia. It is a serious problem that causes death in 60-85% of the donkeys afflicted. Stored body fat is implicated in the disease.

"The stored body fat is constantly being broken out of storage and placed into circulation," Burnham explains.
"The liver processes fat--some is converted to useful substances and some is sent back into storage. If the body's demand for energy exceeds the supply, more fat will be broken out of storage than the liver can process properly. Too many lipids, triglycerides, and other related compounds are in the bloodstream and are trying to find organs to enter. Fat gets 'stuck' in the liver. This infiltration actually stretches the liver capsule and can be a source of pain. The liver, then kidneys, are affected. As the disease progresses, they cannot function properly."

One of the causes of the disease is fasting on the part of the donkey. Not eating for three to eight days can precipitate the problem.

About to 30-50% of reported cases, says Burnham, have a different primary disease such as colic or some other gastrointestinal problem, including parasites.

"Induced fasting as part of the treatment plan for laminitis may set it off," she says. "Sudden dieting to cure obesity may cause it to occur. Other predisposing factors include late pregnancy, abortion, or sometimes just lactation. Most of the reported cases have been female donkeys in foal."

Early in the process, the symptoms of hyperlipemia are vague. The donkey is lethargic, depressed, and has a poor appetite. Abdominal pain, variable increased rectal temperature, increased heart rate, and increased respiratory rate might be seen. As the disease progresses, incoordination, jaundice, bad breath, and ventral edema can be observed. In a few days, severe nervous dysfunction can occur. The afflicted donkey usually will develop diarrhea with mucus, will become recumbent, and might have convulsions. Pregnant jennies frequently will abort, usually in the terminal stages.

"Therapy," says Burnham, "should be aimed at treating the concurrent or primary stress--parasites, colic, or other disease. In some cases, a jenny will be induced to abort to save her life. Next, the energy balance should be restored with force feeding or IV fluid therapy correcting the glucose and acid levels as determined by lab tests. Frequent monitoring of blood values is very important. Antibiotics and vitamin therapy have been very beneficial. The use of insulin has shown variable success.

Many of the affected animals are ill because of insulin-resistance, which may have caused the process in the first place. Insulin and heparin and nicotinic acid analogues are all drugs being tried at present, but no sure dosages have been established yet."

Prevention and early diagnosis seem to be key ingredients in preventing and/or treating the disease. Brood stock should not be allowed to get overweight, for example. If the affliction is suspected, an immediate test for triglyceride levels should be made.

Tomorrows fact .. External Parasites

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[> Wednesday's inspiration.. -- Cheri, 17:34:23 12/11/02 Wed



A TRAIL TO HOPE AND SAFETY

_________________________

Hebrews 10:19-25 (NRSV)

Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

_________________________

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, . . . but let us encourage one another.

- Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

_________________________

I was touched by a story I once read about a Navy pilot trying to fly back to an aircraft carrier at night. For some reason the identification lights of the carrier were turned off, and the pilot could not locate it in the darkness. Suddenly he saw a trail of light that he realized was the wake of the carrier. The light was created by tiny, glowing sea creatures in the water stirred up by the propellers of the huge ship. Following this trail, the pilot was able to land safely on the carrier.

In today's reading, the Bible counsels Christians to meet together on an ongoing basis. This is important because we tend to drift away from the heart and will of God. Gathering together, especially in small groups, helps reinforce our desire to stay on track, to mature spiritually, and to reach out to others. When we gather together, the Holy Spirit stirs us up and causes the light of Christ to shine in our midst. Our life together as believers can create a trail of light that leads those still in darkness to true hope and safety.


Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your love and for the presence of
your Holy Spirit when we gather to worship and study your word. Amen.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
What am I doing to lead others to hope and safety in Christ?

-- Mark A. Sallade (Idaho, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Those without Christ in their life
_________________________


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