farriery

Management of laminitis in the donkey

Alexandra K. Thiemann
Presentation date

Laminitis is seen relatively frequently in first opinion equine practice and affects all breeds of horse, pony and donkey. Studies in the UK of companion donkeys  gives a prevalence that approximately 4% of donkeys suffered a laminitic episode in the preceding 12 months, of which 54% were chronic cases and 46% acute.

While there are many similarities in the diagnosis, management and treatment of laminitis in donkeys and horses, knowledge of the species specific differences will provide better treatment for donkey patients. This presentation will cover how to recognise laminitis in the donkey, and the treatment and management of acute and chronic cases.

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A review of laminitis in the donkey

Laminitis is a commonly occurring, painful condition of the foot that can have a major impact on the welfare of affected donkeys. When faced with a donkey suspected to have laminitis, the approach is broadly similar to that in the horse, however there are certain factors unique to donkeys that this article aims to highlight including: the differences in use, behaviour, anatomy, therapy and management.

Publication date
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Morphometric measurements of the feet of working donkeys equus asinus in Egypt

Working equids rely on sound, balanced hooves, but data describing the typical morphology of the legs and feet of working donkeys are currently lacking. To address this gap in knowledge, the front and hind feet of twenty healthy working donkeys were measured and compared. Hoof width, weight-bearing lengths, heel width, dorsal hoof wall length and lateral and medial heel length of the hoof wall were determined, as well as toe angle, heel angle, hoof pastern axis, coronary band angle and a measure of ‘ground surface size’. Viewed from the ground surface of the foot, front feet were more rounded and significantly larger than hind feet. Measures of medial-lateral balance and toe-heel angle ratio were within the recommended healthy guidelines for horses. Hoof pastern axis was broken forward for the studied animals, which supports previous research suggesting that a broken forward hoof pastern axis is normal for donkeys, although further study would be required to confirm whether this conformation is natural. Significant correlations were found between estimated body mass and hoof width in both the front and hind feet. These measurements provide valuable insight into the relationship between hoof and body characteristics, which may aid the development of guidelines for the trimming and management of working donkey hooves. Further study is, however, advised to confirm natural hoof conformation.

Volume
31
Issue
2
Start page
17
End page
22
Publication date
Research output
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Hoof disorders and farriery in the donkey

This article provides a review of hoof anatomy and care in donkeys and mules. Hoof disease is a major cause of poor welfare and mortality globally. Problems associated with hoof disease are discussed in the context of behavior, diet, treatment, and prevention. The most common conditions encountered are discussed, including laminitis, the overgrown unbalanced hoof, white line disease, flexural deformities, and other significant issues. Differences between donkey and horse hoof anatomy are described.

Published online ahead of print.

Volume
35
Issue
3
Start page
643
End page
658
Publication date
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