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Donkeys need more protection from winter than horses, study finds
Donkeys' coats are much lighter, shorter and thinner than those of horses and mules in winter.
Coats are much lighter, shorter and thinner

Donkeys are less able than horses to adapt to colder, wetter climates, according to new research. As such, they need more protection during the winter months to meet their welfare needs.

The finding, published in the Equine Veterinary Journal, is the result of a study of the extent to which donkeys need protection from the elements.

In the study, scientists took measurements of the insulation properties of hair samples (weight, length and thickness) and found that donkeys’ coats do not significantly change over the seasons.

Their study revealed that donkeys’ coats are much lighter, shorter and thinner than those of horses and mules in winter. In contrast, the coats of horses and ponies changed significantly between seasons, growing much thicker in winter.

The study was led by The Donkey Sanctuary in collaboration with animal behaviour and cognition specialists at the Universities of Portsmouth and Canterbury Christ Church.

Dr Faith Burden from The Donkey Sanctuary said: “For many years it has been the ‘common sense’ advice given by The Donkey Sanctuary to ensure that donkeys and mules are given the right protection from our cold winters.

“This study now provides us with scientific evidence to show why the welfare needs of donkeys and mules differ slightly to those of horses and ponies, and how we can act to give them better protection from the elements.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.