Shasta, one of our beloved donkeys, was showing us subtle signs that something wasn’t quite right. While her feet were continuing to improve, her body was telling a different story. She began standing differently, shifting her weight in a way that suggested discomfort in her shoulders, and she was laying down much more often than usual.
When Stoic Doesn’t Mean Okay
Donkeys are incredibly stoic animals and often hide pain until it becomes significant. Because of this, we knew it was important to look deeper and not dismiss these quiet changes in Shasta’s behavior.
A Closer Look
Dr. Metcalf came out to evaluate Shasta and took X-rays of her shoulders. The images confirmed what we had been suspecting: Shasta has Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) in both shoulders.
Understanding the Diagnosis
OCD is a developmental condition Shasta was most likely born with, where the cartilage in the joint doesn’t form normally. Over time, this has led to arthritis and chronic discomfort in her shoulders. While this isn’t something we can “fix,” it is something we can manage.
Comfort Comes First
To help keep Shasta comfortable, Dr. Metcalf injected both of her shoulders with hyaluronic acid, which helps lubricate the joints and reduce inflammation. It typically takes about 7–10 days to see the full effects. While not a permanent solution, these injections can provide meaningful relief and improved mobility.
A Plan for the Future
Moving forward, these injections will likely be repeated approximately every eight months as part of Shasta’s long-term care plan—one more way we’re committed to keeping her comfortable.
Making the Most of the Moment
While Shasta was sedated for the procedure, Dr. Metcalf also took the opportunity to do additional work on her feet—another small but important step in supporting her comfort from head to hoof.
One Step at a Time
Shasta continues to remind us how important it is to listen closely—especially to our stoic donkey friends. We’ll keep monitoring her progress and adjusting her care as needed, always with her comfort and quality of life at the heart of every decision.
