LAMENESS & NERVOUS

Lameness in Cattle

Key Statistics

• 90% of lameness occurs in claws: It's crucial to always perform a thorough check of the claws when assessing lameness.

• 80% of lameness occurs in hindlimbs: Hindlimb issues are significantly more prevalent.

• 75% of claw lesions found in outer claw: The outer claw is more susceptible to lesions than the inner claw.

• 70% of foot lameness involves horny tissue of claw: The horny tissue is often where the problems originate.

• Majority of lameness occurs in the first 3 months of lactation: This time frame is critical as it relates to the cow's transition period and increased susceptibility to stress and injury.

Systematic Examination of a Lame Cow - 8 Steps

1. Determine the Lame Leg: Observe the cow during walking to identify which leg is affected.

   • Head up indicates a forelimb issue.

   • Head down indicates a hindlimb issue, as the cow tries to take weight off the affected limb.

2. Check for Swelling and Pain: Inspect the area above the claws for swelling or pain, which may indicate infections such as footrot.

   • If swelling is present, examine both claws carefully.

   • Compare patterns and check dew claws for splaying.

   • Look for symmetrical swelling and assess the cranial interdigital area for further clues.

3. Examine External Surfaces of Claws: Look for any visible signs of damage such as vertical or horizontal cracks, which may be indicative of sand cracks or other injuries.

4. Restrain and Lift the Leg: Secure the leg using a belly strap support belt to maintain control while performing the exam.

   • Clean the external claw surface and check for:

     • Swelling and pain

     • Foreign bodies

     • Discharge

     • Damaged skin, such as indications of footrot.

5. Pare or Grind Sole: While checking for abnormalities, look for discolorations such as:

   • Bruised sole

   • Sole hemorrhages

   • Black horn

   • Pus track

   • These signs may require further treatment or trimming.

6. Check the White Line: Examine the white line for signs of white line disease and inspect the coronet for indications of abscesses.

7. Use Hoof Testers: Apply hoof testers to evaluate sensitivity; a withdrawal response during this examination indicates pain. Check associated muscles like the gastrocnemius or triceps for any signs of discomfort.

   • Parameters for treatment:

     • Bruising: Recommend rest and reduce cow’s movement to aid recovery.

     • Abscess or under-run sole: Trim loose horn and drain pus, followed by rest.

8. Examine the Upper Leg: If no abnormalities are detected in the claws, inspect the upper leg for swellings, paying close attention to the stifle joint, which may indicate further issues.

Growth Rates of Horn

• Medial claw growth: Approximately 5 mm per month, with the wall requiring about 15 months to wear down completely.

• Sole thickness: Generally around 10 mm, capable of taking up to 2 months to fully grow out.

Interdigital Lesions

Interdigital Necrobacillosis (Footrot)

• Aetiology/Pathogenesis: Caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum and other related bacteria, infection occurs through abrasions or cuts in the cleft between the claws, especially common in poor conditions underfoot.

• Clinical Features:

  • Sudden onset of severe lameness.

  • Accompanied by:

    • Swelling, heat, and reddening in the interdigital space.

    • Skin splits leading to necrosis with foul-smelling pus.

    • Febrile animal presentation and reduced milk production.

• Treatment: Left untreated, conditions can escalate to severe infections like septic arthritis. Treatment includes:

  • Removal of foreign bodies.

  • Antibiotic treatment options such as penicillin or ceftiofur.

• Prevention: Maintain environmental hygiene and manage moisture levels. Recommendations include:

  • Using copper sulfate foot baths during high-risk periods.

  • Keeping tracks clear and reducing foreign material in grazing areas.

Interdigital Fibroma/Hyperplasia

• Aetiology/Pathogenesis: Characterized by the growth of fleshy tissue in the interdigital area; there is a higher prevalence in beef cattle breeds like Hereford and certain bulls, indicating a potential genetic component.

• Treatment & Control: Employ surgical options using IV regional anesthesia or nerve blocks to excise growths effectively.

  • Post-surgery practices include applying an antibiotic powder and binding the claws together to assist recovery.

Digital Dermatitis (DD)

• Aetiology/Pathogenesis: An infectious inflammation primarily affecting the epidermis near the junction of the toe and the interdigital cleft, commonly observed in dairy cows. It's often exacerbated by wet conditions.

• Clinical Features/Types:

  • Begins with minor lesions that lead to severe irritation.

  • Types include:

    • Circumscribed, Erosive: Painful, bleeding lesions.

    • Proliferative Warty Lesions: Chronic lesions that resemble neoplastic growth with alopecia.

• Treatment & Control: Managing DD typically involves:

  • Application of topicals such as Oxytetracycline or the use of formalin baths to treat lesions.

  • Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene to minimize exposure to wet, dirty environments.

Claw Lesions

Thin Sole

• Characteristics: Resulting from excessive wear often due to rough environments or nutritional deficiencies.

• Clinical Features: Signs may include sore-footedness and a shuffling gait upon examination, revealing flat, blood-stained soles.

Bruised Sole

• Characteristics: Generally caused by inadequate wear patterns.

• Clinical Features: More commonly found in older cows, visible signs of hemorrhage indicate bruising.

Sole Abscess

• Characteristics: Occurs due to vertical separation in the toe region, often as a result of foreign body penetration leading to infection.

• Treatment: Involves draining pus, careful paring of the affected area, and managing weight distribution to relieve stress on the infection site.

White Line Disease/Abscess

• Characteristics: Caused by bacterial invasion through the white line, leading to abscess formation, significant bruising, and lameness.

• Treatment: Immediate intervention is essential, including the paring of defective areas and flushing the lesion to prevent further complications.

Summary of Important Factors

Understanding the treatment and control of lameness in cattle hinges on recognizing symptoms, employing proper examination techniques, and implementing effective management practices. Essential care involves continuous monitoring of environmental conditions and nutrition, alongside timely interventions following signs of injury or disease.