Experts in Donkey Medicine
At the heart of our mission is the commitment to enhancing global understanding of donkey welfare. With over 55 years of experience in the clinical treatment of donkeys and mules, we actively contribute to veterinary science through peer-reviewed research and innovative studies.
As part of our education programme, we work closely with veterinary universities to ensure that future professionals receive specialized training. We also collaborate with equine veterinary experts, providing access to the latest advancements and consensus-based knowledge on donkey health.
Following this philosophy, Proyecto Platero was created—an initiative aimed at strengthening the clinical understanding of donkeys and establishing a Network of Experts in Donkey Medicine in Spain. This project seeks to keep veterinarians up to date with the latest developments while fostering collaboration among specialists.
An identified need
After surveying 134 equine veterinarians in Spain, 81% reported feeling more comfortable treating horses than donkeys and their hybrids. The key challenges they face when treating donkeys and mules include:
- Limited university education in the field: 74% of respondents stated that they had not received specific training on donkeys
- Less practical experience with donkeys, as they are treated less frequently in veterinary practice
- Limited available literature on donkey medicine
- Differences in handling compared to horses. Additionally, veterinarians highlighted that donkeys tend to express pain less obviously than horses, making diagnosis more challenging.
Our response: A network of experts and specialized training
As part of our commitment to improving donkey welfare, we are launching a Network of Experts in Donkey Medicine. This initiative aims to:
- Share knowledge to enhance clinical practice and understanding of donkeys
- Offer a comprehensive and free continuing education program for veterinarians and other professionals
- Create a directory of donkey specialists in Spain, helping associations, municipalities, and individuals find qualified experts.
The first training programme, “Donkey Medicine and Clinical Management” consists of five online courses and a two-day practical session in October, which will take place at our sanctuary in Badajoz. It began in March and covers the most requested topics identified in our survey, including:
- Donkey Behaviour Oriented to Veterinary Practice (online at your own pace, 3 hours, 15 March - 30 April)
- Clinical Examination of the Donkey (online at your own pace, 4 hours, 1 May - 15 June)
- Applied Dentistry in Donkeys (online at your own pace, 6 hours, 16 June - 31 July)
- Hoof Care (2 live online webinars, 3 & 17 September, 19:00-20:30)
- Nutrition (2 live online webinars, 1 & 15 October, 19:00-20:30)
- Practical Session to Reinforce Knowledge (in-person at El Refugio del Burrito Sanctuary - Bodonal de la Sierra, Badajoz, 25 & 26 October)
To access the practical session, the theoretical part must be completed beforehand.
Applications for Donkey Medicine and Clinical Management has now closed.
If you are an equine veterinary specialist and wish to participate in our future programmes for free (we only ask for a commitment to complete the program), please check back on this page for information on our next programme.