The Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences (CVHS) recently said good-bye to a once almost extinct rare breed of donkey that was being treated for a fungal skin infection.

OSU Veterinarians Treat Rare Breed of Donkey by Joe Cobb The Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences (CVHS) recently said good-bye to a once almost extinct rare breed of donkey that was being treated for a fungal skin infection. Glorieux, a Poitou donkey, was treated for Sporotrichosis, also known as Rose Gardeners Disease, which threatened to leave the jack sterile. “It’s not a very common disease, but we do see it occasionally,” said Dr. Lyndi Gilliam, Lecturer, Equine Field Services and Internal Medicine. “It is the second time this year that we have treated it.” The jack was brought to the CVHS by Leland and Shirley Luther who raise endangered animals. The couple couldn’t wait to get Glorieux back home to Great Bend, Kan., where they have a couple hundred other exotic animals including goats, miniature ponies, horses, and a zedonk, which is half donkey half zebra. The Poitou donkey originated in France and can be worth $35,000. In 1977, only 44 donkeys were alive; today there are approximately 200 pure bred Poitou donkeys in the world. They are the largest and most recognizable breed of donkey, which are known for their shaggy coats that resemble dreadlocks. The Luthers bought Glorieux in 1996 after two years of negotiating with the French Government. Shirley read an article in a magazine asking for help to save the Poitou’s. They currently have 16 pure bred donkeys all bred from the original four they negotiated for. There are only two registered breeders in the United States, the Luthers being one. When registered, the donkeys have DNA taken and put on record and have a micro chip placed under their skin. Leland and Shirley have been to the CVHS before to have a donkey treated. They have had very good experiences here. “We like how friendly and sincerely interested all the doctors are at the Oklahoma State Veterinary Hospital,” said Leland. Glorieux is used for breeding and showing at fairs and parades. He will need to continue his medication (Sodium Iodide) and gain weight to be fully recovered. “He’s like a great big puppy dog,” said Shirley. “He’s very playful and loves to run.”