🐴 Laminitis in Donkeys: Vet-Certified Insights and Prevention for 2025 🧠

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Laminitis is a painful and often debilitating hoof condition most horse owners are familiar with—but what about donkeys? In 2025, more research is shedding light on the unique nature of laminitis in donkeys and how their causes and presentations differ from horses. In this article, we’ll unpack what makes donkey laminitis different, what signs to look for, and how to prevent and manage this condition effectively. 🩺🐾

🧬 What Is Laminitis?

Laminitis refers to the inflammation of the laminae—the sensitive tissues inside the hoof wall that attach the hoof to the coffin bone. When these tissues become inflamed or damaged, the bone can rotate or sink, leading to severe pain, structural damage, or even euthanasia in extreme cases. 🔥🦴

While horses often develop laminitis from overeating rich grass or grain, donkeys follow a different pattern. Knowing the distinctions is crucial for proper prevention and care. 🧠

🔍 Do Donkeys Really Get Laminitis?

Some debate exists among veterinarians on whether laminitis in donkeys occurs in the same way it does in horses. However, newer studies confirm that donkeys do experience laminitis—and in many cases, they experience it more frequently and chronically than horses. 📊

Key stats include:

• 📈 Nearly 50% of donkeys in a large UK study experienced at least one laminitis episode
• 🔁 40% of those had recurring laminitis
• 🕰️ Most cases were chronic, not acute, making diagnosis harder

These numbers are higher than those for horses and ponies, where the rate is about 34%. 🚨

🧠 Causes: How Donkey Laminitis Differs

Horses typically develop laminitis due to:

• 🍞 Overeating carbohydrate-rich feeds or lush spring pasture
• ⚖️ Obesity or metabolic syndrome
• 🐴 Hormonal disorders like Cushing’s disease (PPID)

However, donkeys affected by laminitis often:

• ❗ Are younger and not necessarily overweight
• 🍃 Aren’t always on high-carb diets
• 📅 Develop symptoms in winter (October to February)
• 🏠 Experience onset indoors on concrete flooring

This suggests that environmental factors—like the hard surfaces of barns—could contribute to or exacerbate lameness in donkeys, especially as they move off pasture into stalls. 🧱➡️🌿

📍 Chronic vs Acute Laminitis in Donkeys

Most donkey laminitis cases are chronic, which means symptoms develop slowly over time and are easy to miss. 🐢

Acute laminitis, often seen in horses, presents with:

• ⚡ Sudden, intense pain
• 🌡️ Heat in the hooves
• 🚶 Reluctance to walk or shifting weight

Chronic laminitis in donkeys may only show:

• 🔻 Lower activity levels or stiffness
• 🔍 Abnormal hoof growth or misshapen hooves
• 🐌 A subtle, shortened stride or reluctance on hard surfaces

Because donkeys tend to hide pain better than horses, these signs can be overlooked. Regular hoof checks and careful observation are essential. 🧐

🧪 Cushing’s Disease and Laminitis

Just like in horses, Cushing’s disease (PPID) is a known contributor to laminitis in donkeys. Hormonal imbalances affect circulation and metabolism in the hoof, raising laminitis risk. 🧬

If your donkey shows signs like:

• 🦙 A long, shaggy coat that doesn’t shed
• 💧 Excessive drinking or urination
• 🥱 Lethargy

...it’s wise to have your vet test for PPID. Managing Cushing’s early can prevent laminitis later. 💊

🧼 Prevention: Keeping Laminitis at Bay

Since donkeys don't follow the same “spring grass danger” pattern as horses, prevention strategies must be adjusted:

• 🧽 Provide soft bedding during winter stall time
• 🚫 Avoid extended time on hard flooring
• 🍽️ Feed a balanced diet—not too rich, not too sparse
• 👟 Use hoof boots or pads when necessary
• 🔬 Monitor for subtle lameness, especially in colder months

Proactive hoof care and regular vet exams will reduce risk significantly. 🐾🧑‍⚕️

🩺 Diagnosing Laminitis in Donkeys

If you suspect laminitis, your vet will conduct:

• 🖐️ Palpation for digital pulses and hoof wall heat
• 🐾 Evaluation of gait and posture
• 📸 Radiographs to assess bone rotation or sinking

Early diagnosis can make a huge difference in outcome—so never delay. 🛑⏳

💊 Treatment and Long-Term Care

Management strategies for laminitis include:

• 💉 Anti-inflammatory medications
• 🩹 Soft bedding and restricted movement
• 🔧 Corrective trimming and farriery
• 🥦 Controlled, low-carb diet
• 🧲 Therapeutic hoof boots or padding

Donkeys may need extended rest periods and routine farrier work to prevent relapse. Be patient—healing takes time, especially with chronic cases. ⏳❤️

📲 Support from AskAVet.com

Managing laminitis in donkeys can be overwhelming, especially when it presents subtly. If you need help identifying symptoms or developing a care plan, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet App for expert advice. 📱💬

Dr Duncan Houston and the Ask A Vet team are available for real-time consultations, second opinions, and ongoing care guidance. 🧠🐴

🏁 Final Thoughts

Laminitis is a serious condition that doesn’t just affect horses—donkeys are equally vulnerable, though the signs and triggers may be different. In 2025, we’re better equipped than ever to diagnose and prevent laminitis early through education, environmental adjustments, and proactive veterinary care. 🧬🔍

Monitor your donkeys closely this winter, and always call your vet at the first sign of discomfort. For expert help 24/7, visit AskAVet.com 🐴🩺