Hall of Fame veterinarian Donald Walsh passed away Feb. 5, 2026. He was 80.

Walsh founded Homestead Veterinary Hospital in Pacific, Mo., in 1970, as well as the Animal Health Foundation in 1985, a Missouri-based non-profit charity focused on supporting laminitis research. Donations to the Animal Health Foundation helped fund research breakthroughs around the world before it closed in 2019, including the research of Hall of Fame veterinarian Chris Pollitt and the Australian Equine Laminitis Research Unit.

Walsh began focusing on laminitis after particularly devastating cases at Homestead Veterinary Hospital.

“As a doctor of veterinary medicine with a pledge to alleviate suffering, I felt helpless to ease the pain caused by this debilitating disease,” recalls the 1969 graduate of the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine in his Hall of Fame induction. “That’s when I became intent on discovering the underlying causes as a first step toward implementing an effective prevention and treatment protocol.”

Walsh was inducted into the International Equine Veterinarian Hall of Fame in 2009 and spoke at the 2011 International Hoof-Care Summit about the early detection of endocrinopathic laminitis. Many articles in American Farriers Journal include his advice for detecting and managing laminitis. A 5-part YouTube video series on laminitis by the Animal Health Foundation was also published to the American Farriers Journal website, which can be found here, part 2 here, part 3 here, part 4 here and part 5 here.

“Dr. Walsh’s passion for his work, his compassion for others, and his lifelong commitment to the care of animals left a lasting mark on our organization and on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His integrity, guidance, and example will continue to inspire us for years to come,” says Homestead Veterinary Hospital in a statement on Facebook. Many who knew him shared thoughtful messages in the comments.

"He was an active and long-time member of Bethel Wildwood Church," notes his obituary by Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory. "He had many other interests in his life, including camping and kayaking at the Current River as well as target shooting with his fellow Eagle Eyes. He was a life-long horseman, showing American Saddlebreds early in his riding career, and participated in many other equestrian activities and sports, including fox hunting, trail-riding and cutting. And he simply cared for many people and was involved in organizations that help others."

In the last week of his life, Walsh attended the Missouri Veterinary Medical Association's annual convention, which included several lectures on footcare and laminitis. His wife, Diana Walsh, says he was pleased to learn about recent developments in laminitis research and treatment and was hopeful for the future.

"He wanted so much to see an end to equine laminitis. It was his focus for so many years. I'm so happy he got to attend the convention before his passing," she says.

Walsh is survived by his wife, Diana, two children, four grandchildren and many other family and friends. A celebration of life will be held on Feb. 28, 2026, at Bethel Wildwood Church, 17500 Manchester Rd., MO 63038. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethel Wildwood Church.