Hoof problems
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The different parts of the hoof of cattle |
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Overview of Hoof Problems in Cattle
Descriptions of the different diseases
Trampling from Italy
(Digital dermatitis)
CAUSES
The bacteria Treponema (Spirochete), is the agent in question. Its growth and contagion are favored by environmental factors mainly related to hygiene.
PREVENTION
MANAGEMENT
• Trim all cows 2-3 times a year.
• After trimming, apply Hoof-fit Gel to affected hooves. If necessary, repeat this procedure after 3 days.
Stable trampling - Heel erosion
Interdigital dermatitis is like wet eczema with a characteristic odor. Infections of the interdigital skin (especially near the bulb) stimulate the coronal band to produce poor quality horn. This additional formation results in heel crevices that will form a V. This condition is more common when animals are housed indoors and exposed to humid conditions.
CAUSES
A chronic infection caused by Dichelobacter Nodosus.
PREVENTION
• Apply Hoof-fit Gel / or Repiderma in the interdigital space of each of the hooves during trimming sessions.
• Avoid overcrowding of facilities.
• Provide adequate ventilation and dry bedding. You need to create a cool stable climate.
• Keep aisles clean to keep feet clean and dry. The use of aisle scrapers is recommended.
• Have a footbath program and / or a spray program in place.
MANAGEMENT
• When trimming, remove excess horn and crevices then apply Hoof-fit Gel on the area between the two hooves. Repeat the procedure after 3 days, if necessary.
Trampling
The sudden onset of lameness is usually combined with fever and loss of production. The skin between the hooves and above the foot is swollen, painful, and hot to the touch. The inflammation is concentrated on the animal's foot.
CAUSES
This condition is caused mainly by Fusobacterium necrophorum. These bacteria are present in most homes. They enter the skin through small sores between the hooves and subsequently cause inflammation.
PREVENTION
• Apply Hoof-fit Gel / or Repiderma in the interdigital space of each of the hooves during trimming sessions.
• Keep aisles clean to keep feet clean and dry. The use of aisle scrapers is recommended.
• Avoid small stones, uneven floors and overcrowding of facilities.
• Provide adequate ventilation and dry litter. You need to create a cool stable climate.
• Have a footbath program and / or a spray program in place.
MANAGEMENT
• Trim all cows 2-3 times a year
• Consult a veterinarian for treatment of severe cases. Due to the nature of the lameness, medication may be prescribed.
• Apply Hoof-fit Gel to severely affected hooves and a bandage for 1 day only. If necessary, repeat this procedure after 3 days.
Diseases of the horn
Diseases of the horn are painful but to varying degrees. Most of the time, one or two hind hooves will be affected and the lameness will be moderate. In acute laminitis, all 4 legs will be affected. The animals often have hot hooves, they show some discomfort when walking and they are often lying down. Hunched back and slow movements are also common. In later stages, the hooves grow flatter and develop growth rings on the hoof walls, indicating an attack of laminitis.
CAUSES
The cow's environment is one of the main causes of horn disease: lack of space, inadequate housing, narrow hallways, 90 degree turns, excessive walking and waiting time are factors to consider. Laminitis can also result from bacterial toxins released into the tissues during eating problems or systemic illnesses, such as milk fever, mastitis or metritis. Environmental stresses and metabolic problems lead to poor horn production. Inadequate or infrequent trimming results in an imbalance between the hooves, which creates pressure points that are detrimental for adequate horn formation.
It is important not to neglect the environment of the animals. Make sure you have enough space and housing for your animals. Avoid hallways that turn 90 degrees. Minimize waiting times to allow the cows maximum rest. Make sure that the rations are well balanced, especially during the pre-calving period, in order to avoid any metabolic problem. You should plan a preventive trimming schedule two to three times a year. In the event of laminitis, it is important to restore the claw to its normal shape and balance between the two fingers by properly trimming all four feet.
MANAGEMENT
Address the possible factor (s) that contribute to Laminitis problems:
• Contact a veterinarian on a regular basis for health management and adequate treatments.
• Contact a nutritionist to ensure proper balance of rations.
• Reduce excessive waiting times for milking.
• Allow time for exercise outside of concrete surfaces to stimulate blood flow to the tissues.
• Have enough housing to allow each cow to rest and avoid overcrowding.
• Avoid excess weight to reduce calving problems and extra weight on the hooves.
• Ensure that the quality of the water is good as well as its supply.
• Avoid parasitic voltages.
