Donkey and mule health essentials 

Hoof related conditions 

Donkeys evolved to live in dry, arid environments. Donkeys and their hybrids kept in temperate climates, such as the UK, are susceptible to a range of hoof related health conditions as their hooves are not well adapted to spending large quantities of time in wet soil. 

Common donkey hoof health conditions include: 

White line disease/ Seedy toe – White line disease is when there is separation of the hoof wall often at the toe characterised by a powdery hoof texture, leading to increased risk of hoof abscesses and/or lameness.  

Thrush – Thrush bacterial infection around the donkey’s frog characterised by a strong musty smell. There are a range of topical treatments that can be applied, but it is best to treat it as early as possible.  

Hoof abscesses – Hoof abscesses are characterised by sudden onset lameness due to dirt and/or bacteria entering the hoof. If donkeys are already suffering from white line disease, they may be more prone to developing abscesses. Donkeys should be kept somewhere clean and dry, that enables them to move if they are comfortable to do so e.g., in a barn or large field shelter. Hoof abscesses are treated using Epsom salt soaks (tubbing) and/or use of a poultice. For more information, please see our Hoof abscesses in horses advice page.  

To reduce the risk of your donkey or mule developing one of the hoof related conditions above, it’s important to pick out their feet regularly and provide them with a large area of dry, hardstanding and/or a covered shelter to help keep their feet dry. Donkeys and barefoot mules should have their feet trimmed by a qualified and registered farrier every 4-6 weeks.  

Weight and metabolic conditions 

Obesity: Many donkeys and mules in the UK are overweight (fat score of 4 or more out of 5). This is largely due to the fact that grass pastures in the UK oversupply sugar and calories, compared to the high fibre grasses and plants donkeys would eat in their natural habitats. Donkeys can tolerate a diet where the main forage provided is straw rather than hay or grass. Weight management strategies for donkeys and mules are similar to that of horses. For further weight management guidance please see our weight management strategies for overweight horses’ advice page.  

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS): Donkeys and mules that are overweight are also susceptible to metabolic disorders such as EMS. Donkeys with EMS can present with abnormal fat pads and a large, hard crest (the area under their mane, along the top of their neck). These abnormal fat deposits are due to insulin dysregulation, which means other hormones released by the fat lead to more insulin being produced than the horse needs.  

Laminitis: Donkeys and mules that are overweight and/or have EMS are at greater risk of developing laminitis. This is inflammation of the tissues in their hooves that is extremely painful and can be fatal.  

Hyperlipaemia: Overweight donkeys that are stressed, in pain, bereaved/separated from their companion, elderly, pregnant, have dental disease are at greater risk developing a potentially fatal condition where an excess of fat builds up in their blood, leading to organ failure. Symptoms include lethargy and suddenly losing their appetite, collapse, increased heart and respiratory rate and organ failure. It’s important to act quickly and call your vet who is likely to administer fluids, pain medication and potentially even feed via a nasal tube to the stomach.  

Cushing’s Disease: Donkeys that develop equine Cushing’s disease are not necessarily overweight. They are often slightly underweight with a fat score around 1.5-2 out of 5. Cushing’s disease affects a hormone releasing gland in the brain known as the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland releases hormones related to the reproductive system, cell growth and hormones associated with the stress response. Cushing’s is often characterised by donkeys having a long, curly coat that doesn’t shed, increased drinking and urination, and laminitis. It can be managed by regular medication and dietary changes.  

Disease control and vaccinations 

Flu: Donkeys and mules are also susceptible to equine influenza, commonly referred to as ‘flu’. Flu is a virus that affects the horse’s respiratory system.  Symptoms include fever, nasal discharge and a cough. It is highly contagious and can be fatal. 

Tetanus: Tetanus is a bacterium that is found in soil and can be fatal. It causes muscles spasms, stiffness, difficulty breathing, paralysis/collapse and ‘lock jaw’, meaning they will struggle to eat.   

Vaccinations: You should vaccinate your donkey and/or mule against both flu and tetanus. There is an initial 3-part course, followed by an annual vaccination (tetanus booster can be every 2 years). Please contact your vet for more information. 

Parasite management 

Similar to horses, donkeys and mules should have regular faecal worm egg counts and their own targeted de-worming programme. This should be coupled with active pasture management including poo picking and pasture rotation. To find out more about internal parasite management, please see our Worms: how to control them in horses advice page. Please note that some de-worming drugs are not licenced for use in donkeys. Please check with a suitably qualified person (SQP) before administering any de-wormers to donkeys, mules and hinnies to check that they are suitable.  

Our international team works with donkey and mule owners around the world, training owners alongside local partners and vets to keep their animals healthy. Find out how one of our projects helped Celienne, a farmer from Haiti maintain her working mule’s health.

Header photograph used with permission from Stable Close Equine.