Musculoskeletal_1_Spring_2025
Page 1: Title and Acknowledgements
Title: Musculoskeletal Disease I: Approach to Lameness
Presenter: Munetsi Tagwireyi, Large Animal Medicine
Acknowledgements:
Dr. Hilari French
Dr. Helene Larde
Page 2: Learning Objectives
Objective 1: Understand the impact of lameness in dairy and beef cattle.
Objective 2: Understand the causes and risk factors of lameness in cattle.
Objective 3: Know how to identify lameness in cattle.
Objective 4: Know the common origins of lameness.
Objective 5: Understand the anatomy of the cattle foot and zones of the sole surface associated with common lesions.
Objective 6: Summarize the diagnostic approach to lameness cases.
Objective 7: List and understand the Dutch method of claw trimming (5 steps).
Page 3: Functions of the Musculoskeletal System
Support: Provides frame and support for the body.
Movement: Aids in movement via collaboration of bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Protection: Protects vital organs.
Hematopoietic Site: Site for components of blood formation (hematopoiesis).
Mineral Storage: Acts as a main storage site for minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
Page 4: Lameness in Dairy Cattle
Prevalence: One of the most common problems, affecting 15-35% (up to 55%) of dairy cattle.
Cost Implications:
Treatment costs range from $80 to $500 per lame cow.
Reduced milk production (approx. 20% reduction).
Negative impacts on animal behavior and welfare (pain/stress).
Additional economic losses due to decreased reproductive performance and increased culling risks.
Page 5: Lameness Cost Breakdown
Costs Include:
Treatment expenditures (veterinarian or hoof trimmers).
Visual observation and precision technology for detection.
Management practices (footbaths, hoof trimming).
Losses Include:
Reduced milk production and non-saleable milk.
Increased risk of death, culling, and other diseases.
Page 6: Research on Lameness Costs
Key Studies:
Enting et al. (1997), Kossaibati and Esslemont (1997), and further studies detailing definitions and costs associated with lameness.
Cost Estimation Methodologies:
Various methodologies like farm surveys and expert opinion surveys yield different cost estimates.
Page 7: Lameness in Beef Feedlots
Morbidity Rate: 16%
Revenue Loss: Up to 70% due to various factors including feed efficiency and carcass quality.
Common Lesions: Foot rot, toe abscess, laminitis, and septic arthritis.
Page 8: Diagnostic Algorithms
Diagnostic Tools: Algorithms for identifying lameness causes in feedlot cattle.
Page 9: Causes of Lameness
Flooring Issues: Slippery or abrasive floors, hard surfaces.
Trimming Practices: Improper trimming frequency (should be twice yearly).
Genetics and Nutrition:
Nutrition affecting hoof health (ruminal acidosis).
Importance of fiber and biotin to prevent overgrowth.
Page 10: Normal Animal Dynamics
Overall weight dynamics in limb usage; 60% weight on front limbs; 40% on hind limbs.
Weight distribution; more on lateral claws of hind limbs.
Page 11: Frequency of Lameness
Young Animals: Septic arthritis, fractures common.
Adults: 90% of lameness issues occur in the feet.
Page 12: Detecting Lameness
Rating System: From 1 (normal) to 5 (inability to move).
Behavioral Indicators: Back alignment, stride length, head carriage.
Pages 13-18: Key Indicators
Back Alignment, Walking Speed, Weight Bearing, Head Position, Tracking Up, and Walking Rhythm measured for lameness detection.
Page 19: Lameness Scores
Reflection on numerical ratings where certain behavioral criteria help in identifying lameness.
Page 20: Scoring System Overview
Outlines scoring descriptions based on the five-point lameness scoring system (Sprecher).
Pages 21-22: International Lameness Scoring
Comparison of Scoring Systems: Australia and New Zealand scoring system differs from the North American system.
Page 23: Terminology
Definition of key terms like periople, coronary band, hoof wall, sole, and bulb, relevant to hoof anatomy.
Page 24: Figure - Claw Zones
Depicts the different zones of the sole surface and their association with specific lesions.
Page 25: Zone Lesions
Specific lesions associated with the respective zones of the claw.
Page 26: Anatomy and Physiological Processes
Discusses hoof horn, its production, quality, and interactions with stressors.
Page 27: Anatomy of the Cattle Foot
Detailed anatomy of parts of the hoof including the coronary band, wall, sole, bulb, etc.
Page 28: Hoof Growth Rates
Normal hoof growth rates, with specific measurements for wall and sole.
Page 29: Biomechanics – Corium Response
Discussion on weight-bearing implications for horn production and ulcer risks.
Page 30: Biomechanics
Relation between weight bearing, claw conformation changes, and trauma risk.
Page 31: Diagnostic Approach
Steps for assessing lameness including inspection and palpation, and tool usage such as hoof testers.
Page 32: Other Diagnostic Factors
Importance of history, environment, nutrition, and housing factors in diagnosis.
Page 33: Hoof Care
Best practices for maintaining hoof health, including trimming and lesion correction.
Page 34: Tools of the Trade
Equipment necessary for effective hoof maintenance and treatment.
Page 35: Claw Trimming Positioning
Guidance on effective positioning for trimming procedures.
Page 36: Foot Lifting Techniques
Options for safely lifting the foot during hoof inspections.
Page 37: Dutch 5-Step Method Outline
Detailed steps for trimming to maintain hoof health and treat lesions.
Pages 38-42: Detailed Steps of Claw Trimming
Important parameters for trimming includes toe length, matching claws, and creating ulcer concavity.
Page 43: Therapeutic Trim Steps
Focus on treating lesions and relieving pressure from painful claws.
Pages 44-46: Claw Blocks & Management Programs
Types of claw blocks for treatment and outlining management programs focused on lameness prevention and care.
Page 47: Veterinarian Decision Tree
Flowchart guiding treatment options for severely lame animals depending on condition severity and potential outcomes.
Page 48: Lameness Scores & Interventions
Overview of grades of lameness and required interventions.
Page 49: Patient Recording
Detailed patient data specific to individual cases.
Page 50: Conclusion
Acknowledgment for attention and engagement.