Bovine Lameness in the Foot - Less common causes

Question 1

What is the aetiology of heel ulcers and toe ulcers?

Answer 1

Penetration of sole/overgrowth of the toe and fissures/iatrogenic

Question 2

What is toe necorsis usually secondary to?

Answer 2

Toe ulcer or split in the horn

Question 3

Describe the aetiology of acute laminitis is cattle

Answer 3

Ruminal acidosis leading to bacterial death and bacterial endotoxins.
Acute toxic condition resulting in vasoactive mediators.

Question 4

List four causes of sole bruising

Answer 4

Turning sharply on hard surfaces
Soft bedding
Soft feet
Dismounting

Question 5

What is the main treatment of ‘slurry heel’?

Answer 5

Formalin foot baths

Question 6

What is the aetiology of ‘hardship lines’ in cattle?

Answer 6

Severe toxic condition

Question 7

What are the three basic principles of foot trimming?

Answer 7

Isolate lesion
Remove under run and diseased horn
Decrease weight bearing on diseased claw

Question 8

What local anaesthetic can be used in therapeutic foot trimming?

Answer 8

Procaine

Question 9

What method would you use to block the nerves in a cows foot?

Answer 9

Intra-venous regional anaesthesia

Question 10

What is the maximum amount of time a foot block should stay on?

Answer 10

4-6 weeks

Question 11

What is the maximum amount of time a foot bandage should stay on for in cattle?

Answer 11

48 hours maximum

Question 12

List four indications for digit amputation

Answer 12

Deep digital sepsis
Toe necrosis
Non-healing WLD/SU
Trauma

Question 13

List three contrainidcations to digit amputation in cattle

Answer 13

Imperfect contralateral claw
Severe ascending tenosynovitis
Lameness affecting another limb

Question 14

List four complications to digit amputation in cattle

Answer 14

Haemorrhage
Ischaemia and sloughing
Infection
Premature culling