Hoof Trimming Donkey's (https:\/\/youtu.be\/WkwctOxWRyw)<\/a><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat About Problem Hooves?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If your donkey has generally healthy hooves, following the simple tips above will help keep them that way. In the event of hoof problems, you’ll need to work closely with your veterinarian and your farrier to address and correct chipping, cracking, disease and lameness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If hooves are badly overgrown, the vet should be called out to perform x-rays before trimming to identify any bone deformity that may have developed. If x-rays reveal bone deformity, talk with the vet about pain management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When not kept in a desert setting, donkeys may be prone to a number of hoof diseases including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Seedy Toe Or White Line Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This disease causes the white line (very small space) between the hoof wall and the sole of the hoof to degenerate. When this happens, the tissues become crumbly and weak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While this condition, in itself, is not usually painful, it can make it possible for tiny pebbles, dirt and bacteria to enter the hoof. This causes infection, which is quite painful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To treat seedy toe, your farrier or veterinarian will need to cut away the part of the hoof wall that has been affected. Once all of the discolored and dead material has been removed, healthy hoof can grow out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treatment may take a very long time with your vet and farrier working together and with you cooperating by keeping your donkey in a very clean, dry setting to prevent further problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Thrush<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is a fungal infection which is caused by the very same fungus that is responsible for athlete’s foot in people. This fungal infection affects the sole of the hoof and is easily identified by the unpleasant, musty smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Minor cases can be treated by simply moving the donkey to an area with clean, dry footing. Very severe cases may need to be treated with antifungal cream and\/or medicated foot powder applied inside hoof boots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Hoof Abscesses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hoof abscess can occur if the sole of the hoof is punctured by a sharp object, or if the donkey has white line disease and bacteria has made its way into the hoof. When this happens, pus will develop around the bacteria causing a great deal of pressure inside the hoof. This is naturally very painful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A hoof abscess should only be treated by your veterinarian, who may recommend that you soak or poultice the hoof to help draw out the infection. Alternately, he or she may use the hoof knife to open up the abscess and drain the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your vet may also prescribe hoof soaks, application of antibiotic salve and bandaging and\/or oral or injected antibiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Laminitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is a severe and very painful disease that has a number of different causes including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Metabolic imbalances<\/li>
- Excessive rich food<\/li>
- Infections<\/li>
- Pregnancy<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If left untreated, laminitis can cause the support mechanisms within the hoof to break down. The toe bone inside the hoof may rotate or move in a downward fashion. The result can be permanent, irreversible damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your donkey seems tender-footed, doesn’t want to walk or even get up, suspect laminitis. To verify your suspicions, place your hand just above the donkey\u2019s hoof. If the area feels hot, and\/or you sense a very strong pulse, your donkey is probably suffering from laminitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your donkey is in a safe setting, don’t make him move. Instead, make sure he has good access to fresh hay and water and call your vet right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your vet will probably want to take x-rays to determine exactly what damage has been done. Treatment for laminitis in donkeys may include frequent, light trimmings to help correct any damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike laminitis in horses, laminitis in donkeys should not be addressed with heart-bar shoes or frog supports. Instead, the entire sole of the hoof should be padded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Talk with your vet about appropriate padding. In some cases, thick bandaging is advised. In other cases, a protective foam material may be duct taped onto the sole of the donkey\u2019s hooves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n