🧪 Vet Alert 2025: Surprising Findings on Stomach Ulcers in Donkeys 🐴💥

Author: Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Stomach ulcers are well-documented in horses—especially in racehorses and sport horses under stress. But what about donkeys? A recent study suggests that donkeys are more prone to gastric ulcers than previously thought, even if they don’t perform, train, or face dietary extremes. In this 2025 update, Dr Duncan Houston explores the surprising research and what it means for your donkey’s health. 🐴🔍

📊 The Study That Changed Everything

An Italian study evaluated 39 non-working, non-athletic donkeys using gastroscopy (stomach camera examination). None of these animals were on medications or being housed in stalls. 🌿

🔬 Results showed:

• 📉 51% had stomach ulcers
• ⚠️ 95% of ulcers were in the non-glandular stomach region

This is the same region affected in performance horses due to acid splash from exercise—yet these donkeys were not under physical stress. ❗

🧠 Anatomy Recap: Horse & Donkey Stomachs

Just like horses, donkeys have two parts to their stomach:

• 🔴 Glandular portion: Acidic but protected by mucus and bicarbonate
• ⚪ Non-glandular portion: Neutral pH and unprotected—more prone to acid damage

❓ What’s Causing These Ulcers in Donkeys?

Unlike horses, these donkeys were:

• 🌱 Grazing freely on pasture
• 🧘 Not stalled or isolated
• 🥕 Not on high-carb feeds

💡 The cause is still unknown. Possible factors may include:

• 📉 Slow digestive transit or altered gut microbiota
• 🧬 Unique donkey physiology or stress response
• 🩺 Underlying disease or discomfort that was not externally visible

📋 Why This Matters

• 🐴 Donkeys hide signs of illness well
• 😞 They may present with vague symptoms: dullness, decreased appetite, or colic
• 🔍 Ulcers are rarely suspected—but now should be on every vet’s radar

🧠 Dr Duncan Houston’s Advice

"Don’t dismiss stomach ulcers in donkeys. Even the calmest, healthiest-looking donkey can have ulcers—and they won’t tell you." 🐴💡

📈 When to Suspect Ulcers in Donkeys

• 📉 Reduced appetite or selective eating
• 💩 Mild, recurrent colic signs
• 😐 Lethargy or withdrawn behavior
• 🩺 Weight loss without an obvious cause

💊 What Can You Do?

• 🔬 Ask your vet about gastroscopy if ulcers are suspected
• 💊 Consider FDA-approved omeprazole formulations for treatment (e.g., GastroGard®)
• 🌿 Provide continuous access to forage and avoid long periods without eating

🔚 Final Thoughts: Donkeys Deserve Ulcer Attention Too

Despite their hardy nature, donkeys are at risk for stomach ulcers—possibly at higher rates than horses. Don’t overlook subtle signs, and include ulcers on your differential list when managing colic or poor appetite in donkeys. 🐴🧠

Need help with a donkey care plan or suspected GI issue? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app to get support from a licensed vet today. 📱💬