Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases in Donkeys

Donkeys have a plethora of species-specific metabolic traits that make them predisposed to endocrinopathies and metabolic disturbances. Due to their ability to digest poor-quality feedstuff and accumulate adipose tissue, donkeys are prone to obesity. Insulin dysregulation/metabolic syndrome, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, and endocrinopathic laminitis are also prevalent in donkeys. Their efficiency to mobilize fat in situations of increased energy demands increases the predisposition to dyslipidemias. There are major endocrine differences between horses and donkeys, with different protocols to diagnose endocrine and metabolic diseases. Thus, a donkey-specific approach is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis, inadequate treatments, additional costs, or complications.