Cross-sectional study to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with laminitis in UK donkeys.
Authors: Menzies-Gow Nicola J, Wakeel Frederica, Little Holly, Buil Jesus, Rickards Karen
Journal: Equine veterinary journal
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Laminitis Prevalence and Risk Factors in UK Donkeys Laminitis represents a substantial welfare concern in donkeys, yet epidemiological data have remained sparse until now. Menzies-Gow and colleagues conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 707 donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary between October 2015 and March 2019, systematically recording clinical presentation, management variables, endocrine status, and diagnostic interventions for animals experiencing laminitis (n=343) and matched controls (n=364). Over the 42-month study period, the period prevalence of laminitis reached 48.5%, with notably higher proportions presenting as chronic episodes (65%) rather than acute (35%); amongst affected animals, 143 of 343 experienced recurrent episodes, underlining the chronic nature of the condition in this population. Counterintuitively, multivariable logistic regression revealed that younger age at first episode, absence of supplementary feeding, and lack of preceding dental work, movement between premises, diagnostic imaging, or surgical intervention were significantly associated with laminitis—a notably different risk profile from equine laminitis, where metabolic disease and obesity predominate. For practitioners, these findings highlight that donkey laminitis warrants distinct preventative strategies and that apparent "protective" factors in horses (such as veterinary intervention) may reflect either disease severity or population differences rather than genuine protection in donkeys, warranting further prospective investigation into donkey-specific aetiological mechanisms.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Laminitis is highly prevalent in donkeys (affecting nearly 1 in 2); chronic laminitis is more common than acute, requiring long-term management strategies
- •Younger donkeys appear at greater risk for first laminitis episodes; practitioners should maintain heightened vigilance in this age group and investigate underlying causes
- •Nutritional management (extra feed provision) and regular dental care may be protective factors; ensure these aspects of care are optimised for at-risk donkeys
Key Findings
- •Period prevalence of laminitis in UK donkeys was 48.5% over 42 months, with 343/707 animals experiencing a first episode and 143 of these having recurrent episodes
- •65% of laminitis episodes were chronic and 35% were acute
- •Laminitic donkeys were significantly younger at first episode and less likely to receive extra feed or have undergone dental work, movement, or imaging in the month preceding episodes compared to controls
- •Risk factors for donkey laminitis differ from those reported in horses, suggesting species-specific disease mechanisms