Fatal sand colic in the endangered equid, Persian Onager (Equus hemionus onager)

Background: This study presents the fatal sand colic in a captive Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus onager). This finding is significant as the species is classified as endangered by IUCN, with wild populations restricted to Iran. Methods: The affected captive female individual displayed characteristic clinical signs including colic and nasal regurgitation, followed by prolonged depression before death. Results: Necropsy revealed extensive gastrointestinal sand accumulation, petechial hemorrhages, and jaundice. The animal was carrying an approximately one-month-old fetus. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of proper husbandry practices in captive breeding programs for this endangered equid species. One of the most imperative points of management protocol for captive breeding of wild equine species is minimizing exposure to sand.

کلیدواژه ها:

Persian onager ، Captive management ، Sand colic ، Wildlife disease