Although donkeys share ancestral origins with horses, they have evolved differently over many millennia, something of real relevance to owners and to vets.

Readers are familiar with the range of signs presented by truly sick horses. Thoroughbreds may behave violently when affected by even moderate abdominal pain (colic); horses might appear at death’s door only to respond rapidly to treatment. Donkeys show disease in a more modest way; they have evolved to mask weakness from would-be predators. Instead of fighting millions of years of evolution, we need to develop better skills, be more observant, and read the signs better. The dull donkey is often a genuine veterinary emergency.