Hoof morphometry in a population of lame and nonlame working donkeys in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Hoof morphometry, conformation and shoeing practices have all been associated with lameness in horses. Hoof morphometry in working donkeys in Pakistan has not been objectively measured. OBJECTIVES: To quantitatively assess hoof morphology in donkeys, to identify factors underlying hoof morphology, and interrelationships between conformation, lameness, and shoeing status. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Donkeys were assessed in-harness using a modified five-point lameness scale by two veterinarians and digital photographs of front hooves taken alongside a grid. Factor analysis was used to examine the interrelationships among morphometric data. Associations between conformation, shoeing, age and lameness were assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-one donkeys were examined; 28 were unshod. There were significant left-right hoof asymmetries between heel height (0.27, SD 0.92 cm; p = 0.02), toe-heel angle (2.97°, SD 8.85°; p = 0.03) and medio-lateral symmetry (0.5, SD 1.75 cm; p = 0.05). Ten percent of donkeys (n = 6) were sound and 64% donkeys (n = 39) were consistently lame. Conformational defects were seen in 41% (n = 25) of donkeys. Eleven factors were extracted, accounting for 83% of the variance encountered in the original variables. Shoeing, and asymmetry between or within feet were not associated with lameness in donkeys; older donkeys were more likely to be lame (p = 0.02). MAIN LIMITATIONS: As a convenience sample of draught donkeys, most of which were lame, the study may not reflect nonpathological hoof morphology in working donkeys. There are no validated objective lameness measures for donkeys and donkeys were in harness when assessed. CONCLUSION: This study represents a snapshot of hoof morphology and lameness in a single population and under various limitations. Further work should use larger datasets and more homogenous samples to discriminate between 'normal' and 'abnormal' feet and how these might contribute to lameness. Factor analysis highlighted the clustering of hoof morphometric features in donkeys, suggesting the potential for targeted studies in the future.

Cross-Sectional Questionnaire of Donkey Owners and Farriers Regarding Farriery Practices in the Faisalabad Region of Pakistan.

Quality farriery is essential to ensure donkey welfare, and many intervention programs in low-middle income countries (LMICs) train farriers, and educate owners, regarding the farriery needs of donkeys. It is essential for interventional programs to understand the perspectives of all stakeholders in donkey-owning communities. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in the Faisalabad region of Pakistan. Ten farriers and 55 donkey owners participated in the study. Farriers reported receiving no formal training for farriery, insufficient wages (PKR 65 or USD 0.36 per hoof) and the requirement to use traditional tools. Farriers reported an average shoeing time of 5 min per hoof and shoeing between three and 30 donkeys a day. Donkeys were mostly shod while they were harnessed to a cart. Six donkey-owning farriers reported shoeing their donkeys every 20 to 25 days. Owners reported varying shoeing intervals of 20 days to 90 days. Shoeing interval was also affected by seasonal and weather changes. Owners considered their relationship with farriers as the most important factor in choosing a farrier rather than cost. A majority (87%) of the owners reported lameness in their donkeys. The study provides important insights into the many challenges and opportunities in developing quality donkey farriery in the region.