The range and prevalence of clinical signs and conformation associated with lameness in working draught donkeys in Pakistan.

This study paints a detailed picture of the common clinical signs and body shape changes associated with lameness in working donkeys in Pakistan, revealing a high prevalence of gait abnormalities, pain, and other physical issues in these animals.

Research Overview

• The objective of the research was to gain an in-depth understanding of the various clinical symptoms and deformation associated with lameness in working draft donkeys. This is aimed at shedding more light on the prevalent issue and contributing to its mitigation.
• The study was prospective, observational, and cross-sectional in nature. This means it was forward-looking, noting observations in its natural state without any interference or manipulations, and it considered different points to gain a full understanding of the problem.

Data Collection

• The research data was gathered from 102 working draft donkeys in Pakistan. A lameness test specifically designed for working donkeys was employed to log the clinical symptoms of lameness, abnormality in gait, limb form and pain reactions in the feet, limbs and spine. This was achieved through observation, touch, and maneuver.
• The measure of lameness at walking pace was rated on a scale from 0 to 10 (sound to non-weight-bearing).

Research Results

• Each donkey examined exhibited gait irregularities, with 5% having a limb that could not bear any weight.
• Older donkeys, those in poorer physical condition, and those with a knee-advancing form were significantly more prone to severe lameness.
• More severe lameness was also linked to pain responses in the hoof walls, palpation of limb joints, and spinal flexion.
• The study revealed the high prevalence of joint, tendon, and foot pathology, alongside pain responses to joint flexion and spinal manipulation. Conformational irregularities displayed lateral asymmetry.

Conclusions and Implications

• Given that over 98% of the world’s 42.2 million donkeys are in low-income countries and are used for labor, the high incidence of lameness, pain, and multiple limb and spinal irregularities in these working donkeys is of significant animal welfare concern. This underscores the complexity of tackling this issue.
• The standardized lameness test used in this study can be utilized when implementing and monitoring interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of lameness in working donkeys.