Jasmine's journey back to happiness

Hannah Bryer, our Head of Welfare, discovered thirteen-year-old Jasmine suffering from severe lameness at a site in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Jasmine lived with another donkey named Jessica, who was also struggling to walk because her feet were in such poor condition.

Hannah says: "Both donkeys had very overgrown hooves which were causing lameness. Jessica had extensive growths affecting her front legs and her abdomen. These masses had become ulcerated and infected, causing her coat to become matted with bloody discharge.

"It was immediately obvious that both donkeys required urgent veterinary care, so we made arrangements for a vet to attend the same day."

Both donkeys were relinquished into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary and transported to our Derbyshire Centre.

Chris Pile, Derbyshire Centre Farm Manager, says: "The first thing I noticed when examining the donkeys was their hooves, as they were very overgrown and twisted.

"The vet diagnosed the masses on Jessica's body as sarcoids. Sarcoids are tumours, which require early and effective treatment to give the donkey the best chance of recovery. If left untreated, the growths can become very large or become ulcerated and infected, affecting the quality of life."

While the vet sought an opinion from a specialist, we took steps to make sure both donkeys were comfortable and formed a plan to support Jasmine should she lose her companion. Sadly, the specialist deemed the tumours inoperable, and that euthanasia was the most humane option to end Jessica's suffering.

Donkeys form strong pair-bonds, and Jasmine and Jessica's situation was no different. 

Chris adds: "Jasmine and Jessica were closely bonded, so of course, we had concerns for Jasmine.

"The loss of a companion can lead to a serious health condition called hyperlipaemia, which can be fatal, so it was important for us to support Jasmine and to take steps to mitigate the risk.

"Before Jessica was euthanised, we introduced them to a small group of donkeys so that Jasmine would not be alone."

Hannah adds: "Cases like this are incredibly sad as they can be so easily avoided by providing appropriate veterinary and farriery care on a regular and timely basis. 

"Happily with the support of vets, farriers and farm staff, Jasmine was able to make the journey to our sanctuary in Devon and is now living in the company of other donkeys at one of our sanctuaries. 

"Sadly, we were unable to save Jessica due to the extensive and inoperable nature of her tumours which were affecting her quality of life." 

Since arriving at Paccombe, Jasmine has settled into a new herd of 28 donkeys and a mule.

Her character now shines through as she enjoys her days interacting with her grooms. She is one of the quieter donkeys and isn't notably playful, but she loves a good groom and extra attention.