• Besnoitiosis: Rare parasitic disease causing cystic lesions on skin, throat, and eyes; no effective treatments.
• Reproductive Health: Jennies may cycle year-round and have a 12–14 month gestation period.
• Castration: Jacks should be gelded to reduce aggression; requires proper ligation due to larger blood vessels.
• Coronary Band Lesions: Abscess-like eruptions may occur.
• Dental Care: Similar to horses; some develop an elongated lower jaw, causing misalignment of incisors.
• Skeletal Maturity: Growth plates close by age four; avoid heavy loads until fully mature.
• Fatigue and Sweating: Donkeys fatigue less and conserve water better than horses.
• Hyperlipemia: Common in obese donkeys, triggered by stress or feed deprivation. Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, anorexia, diarrhea; requires urgent veterinary care.
• Jack Sores: Caused by flies transmitting Habronema spp.; itchy and difficult to heal.
• Laminitis: More common in donkeys and affects all four feet; often overlooked due to stoicism.
• Lungworms: Dictyocaulus arnfeldi causes coughing and wheezing, treatable with avermectin dewormers.
• Diet: Donkeys need fewer calories and protein; overfeeding leads to obesity and laminitis.
• Anesthesia: Donkeys require higher anesthetic doses.
• Respiratory Issues: Narrow nasal passages increase risk of pharyngeal and tracheal collapse.
• Pain Tolerance: High threshold masks musculoskeletal or gastrointestinal issues until advanced.
• Sarcoids: Prone to tumors requiring chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation.

Note:  Regular veterinary care is essential for monitoring and addressing these unique health needs.