Pigmentary changes often pass unnoticed in donkeys and they are rare.
Localised pigmentary changes can be either abnormally exaggerated
pigmentation (melanosis or even melanoma) or reduced pigmentation
(vitiligo). The former may occur as acanthosis nigricans in areas of continued
skin-to-skin contact such as the axilla and groin. It can also develop
spontaneously in donkeys of all ages. Secondary loss of pigmentation can
occur at sites of wounding, scarring or skin inflammation.
References
- Knottenbelt, D. (2008) Skin disorders In Svendsen, E.D., Duncan, J. and Hadrill, D. (2008) The Professional Handbook of the Donkey, 4th edition, Whittet Books, Chapter 8
