A study on hoof abnormalities among working donkeys presented to veterinary clinics in and around Mekelle, Ethiopia

A study was conducted from November 2013 to May 2014 in three selected sites in and around Mekelle town, Ethiopia. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of hoof abnormalities in working donkeys and to assess associated risk factors with its occurrence. Severity of lameness was also assessed in relation to types of the abnormalities. A total of 415 working donkeys were randomly selected from those donkeys that visited the stationary and mobile clinics in the study area. History taking and thorough clinical examination were used as a tool to conduct the study. The overall prevalence of hoof abnormality was found to be 14.7%. Trauma was found to be the major (52.5%) type of hoof problem, followed by hoof over growth (19.7%), hoof crack (14.8%) and thrush (13.1%).The occurrence of hoof abnormality was significantly associated with body condition scoring (p<0.05) in which it was higher in donkeys with poor body condition. Other factors such as site, age, stable floor type and working time were not significantly associated (χ2=2.016, p>0.05) with the occurrence of the hoof abnormality. Hoof abnormalities identified had resulted in Grade I to IV lameness. Grade 4 lameness was mainly (94.7%) caused by trauma. Grade 3 lameness was caused by trauma (72.2%) and thrush (27.8%). Grade 2 was caused by hoof crack (50.0%), thrush (33.3%) and hoof over growth (16.7%). Grade 1 lameness was due to hoof overgrowth (61.1%) and hoof crack (33.3%) and trauma (5.6%). Generally, it was identified that hoof abnormalities due to trauma, thrush, hoof over growth and hoof crack were a health problem of working donkeys in the study area. Community awareness enhancement on prevention and management of hoof abnormalities is recommended.