Abstract

Club foot deformities were studied in 22 donkeys working in brick kilns. Evaluation of hoof capsule was carried out on hard concrete surface. Changes on the hoof capsule were observed from dorsal aspect, lateral aspect, palmar/planter aspect and distal or solar surface. Dorsal hoof wall angle for each hoof (toe angle) was taken using hoof gauge. According to toe angle club foot was classified into three degrees. The first degree the toe angles less than (<90 ͦ). The second degree the toe angles less or equal (≤130 ͦ) and the third degree more than (>130 ͦ). Club foot in donkeys displayed disparity, increased in heights and lengths associated with contracted heels. The digital cushion appeared atrophied associated with granulomatous inflammations. The third degree club foot revealed horn materials of sole, frog and digital cushion were destroyed and covered by hard keratin materials. The use toe angles for classification of club foot provide a reliable method. Radiography of the 3rd phalanx showed osteophytic and osteolytic changes. Soft tissue reaction and thickening with radio-opaque mass and calcification at palmar/planter structures were observed. Overworking, overloading and pain were considered the predisposing causes in brick kilns working donkeys.