Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Food Animal Medicine > Down Cows and Lameness > Flashcards

Down Cows and Lameness Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
Gourmet Food flashcards
1
Q

Define a downer cow.

A

Alert adult cattle that usually are eating and drinking, but are unable to rise (usually sternal).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

In what population of cows is downer cow syndrome most common and why?

A

The condition is most common in mature dairy cows in early lactation partly because metabolic diseases that predispose to recumbency are more frequently seen in this category of animal.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Name 5 general categories of causes of recumbency/downer cow syndrome. Which is the most important cause in adult dairy cows? At what life stage is it most common?

A

1) Metabolic- persistent hypocalcemia is the most important cause in mature dairy cattle (2nd lactation or older!)
2) Musculoskeletal injuries- hip dislocations, pelvic fractures, and femoral fractures.
3) Dystocia related (calving paralysis)- first calf heifers most commonly.
4) Spinal cord compression- abscess, trauma to vertebral column, neoplasia.
5) Toxic/septic conditions-mastitis, metritis and peritonitis; the most important and common in this category is coliform mastitis.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are 3 injuries that often happen to recumbent cattle and constitute Downer Cow Syndrome?

A

1) Ischemic myopathy
2) Hindlimb paresis due to peripheral ischemic neuropathy
3) Secondary musculoskeletal injury during repeated attempts to rise.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What factors can worsen down cow injuries?

A

-Heavy cows
-Being recumbent on concrete/hard surface
-Longer down times

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Name 5 metabolic causes of recumbency in adult cattle.

A

Hypocalcemia (most important in dairy)
Hypomagnesemia (beef cattle) - unlikely to cause recumbency alone
Hypoglycemia/ketosis
Hypophosphatemia
Hypokalemia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Experimentally how long does it take from onset of recumbency for muscle and nerve damage to occur?

A

6 hours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are 3 components of treatment for down cows?

A

1) Early and aggressive treatment of correctable metabolic and toxic
problems.
2) Nursing care, food, water, shade, frequent rolling.
3) Lifting devices: early and correct use of hip slings, inflatable bags, hip
lifters, flotation tanks.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What features of recumbency carry a worse prognosis in down cows?

A

Forelimb involvement, longer time.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the 3 most common causes of recumbency in adult cows?

A

1- milk fever 2- calving injury 3- trauma

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How does repeated treatment for ketosis increase the chances of recumbency in dairy cows?

A

Dextrose -> insulin response -> drives potassium intracellularly
Steroids -> mineralocorticoid activity -> more potassium excreted
Together cause hypokalemia and possibly recumbency.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

How do down hypokalemic cows differ in presentation compared to other causes of recumbency?

A

Hypokalemia causes a flaccid paralysis and cows present in lateral recumbency, not the more common sternal recumbency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the best way to prevent ischemic myopathy and neuropathy in down cows?

A

Use floatation EARLY

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Define lameness in the context of dairy cattle.

A

An abnormal gait which impacts a cow’s ability to rest, eat, produce milk, reproduce and remain in the herd

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the 2 goals of locomotion scoring in cattle?

A

1- To identify individuals requiring treatment
2- To determine the prevalence of lameness in a herd

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the point system in dairy cattle locomotion scoring and what do they mean?

A

3-point system – where 1 and 2 are ‘lame’ and 3 is ‘severely lame’

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Describe the characteristics of cows assigned to different levels in locomotion scoring

A

0- Not lame
1- Lame. Walks without obvious gait asymmetry or weight transfer between limbs and cannot discern which leg is lame after a few strides. Steps maybe uneven and may have a flat or subtle arch to the back.
2- Lame. Asymmetric gait with obvious weight transfer and shortening of the stride of the affected limb altering cadence of movement. May also show a head bob, back arch and joint stiffness leading to abduction of the limb.
3- Severely lame. Able to move only with extreme difficulty, almost unable to bear weight on the affected limb. Pronounced back arch with rear limb lameness. Frequently in poor body condition and in obvious pain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the cost of lameness in terms of production and fertility?

A

~3lb milk per day, up to 50-day delay in conception

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

At what points in the lactation cycle are dairy cattle hooves usually trimmed?

A

1- Heifers prior to calving
2- 60-150DIM
3- At dry-off

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

How long does it take to grow a new sole? A new hoof wall?

A

Takes 8 weeks to grow a sole and 15 months for the wall

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What part of dairy cow feet tend to overgrow and why?

A

Overgrowth in the outer claw of the rear feet because a large udder causes them to “waddle” when they walk

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are the goals of routine hoof trimming?

A

1- Restore a more upright foot angle
2- Balance weight distribution between the inner and the outer claw

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

How long should a properly-trimmed dorsal hoof wall be?

A

3 inches

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What records should be kept with regards to hoof health in a herd?

A

a. Timing and capacity of trims
b. Lesion type frequency
c. Lesion distribution by parity, date, DIM

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What are the famous 5 foot lesions?

A

1) Digital Dermatitis – active vs inactive
2) Sole Ulcer
3) White Line Disease
4) Foot Rot
5) Thin Soles/Toe Ulcers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is the only cause of lameness that is treatable by parenteral antibiotics? What antibiotics are used?

A

Foot Rot, Oxytetracycline or Ceftiofur most common and have a label indication

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

In what situations are vaccines against foot rot used?

A

Vaccine may be of use in feedlots, rarely used in dairy herds

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Define foot rot

A

Tissue necrosis between the claws deep in the interdigital space

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What organisms are responsible for foot rot?

A

F.necrophorum, Porphyromonas levii, Provotella intermedia and maybe spirochetes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

How is foot rot treated?

A

Oxytetracycline or Ceftiofur most common and label indication, parenteral.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is heel horn erosion and how is it managed?

A

Diffuse, V-shape or layered erosion of heel horn. Routine trimming removes loose horn.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What organism causes digital dermatitis?

A

Treponema spp infection – strict anaerobic Gram-negative spirochete (live in gut/manure) in combination with soaking of the skin with manure.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Where do infectious organisms reside in cases of digital dermatitis?

A

Invade deep into the epidermis and dermis – chronicity!

34
Q

What are the M-stage classifications of digital dermatitis?

A

i. M0 - normal
ii. M1 – mild lesion <20 mm diameter
iii. M2 – active lesion >20 mm diameter
iv. M3 – healing lesion
v. M4 – chronic/inactive lesion
vi. M4.1 – new active lesion on an existing chronic lesion
vii. M2 and M4 lesions further characterized by H = hyperkeratosis and P = proliferation

35
Q

How is digital dermatitis controlled?

A

1- Protect heifer from infection via genetics and trace minerals in diet
2- Treat M2s ASAP BEFORE cow is lame
3- Use footbaths to keep M4s in check and prevent transition to M4.1 and M2
4- Trim to correct conformation changes
5- Improve hoof hygiene

36
Q

What is the ideal length for a foot bath and why?

A

10-12’ long bath required for at least 2 foot immersions – better efficacy.

37
Q

What pH should a footbath be?

A

pH 3.0 minimum

38
Q

How many cows can pass through a footbath before it needs to be replaced?

A

150 - 350 depending on hygiene

39
Q

What are 2 common antibacterials used in footbaths and at what concentration ranges are they used?

A

2-5% copper sulfate, 2-4% Formalin

40
Q

Where are sole ulcers found?

A

Rear feet, outer claw below flexor tuberosity of P3, Zone 4

41
Q

What causes sole ulcers in cattle?

A

Increased mobility of pedal bone and distal displacement in combination with increased standing time on hard surfaces

42
Q

What factors predispose cattle to sole ulcers?

A

1- Inflammation, bony changes to pedal bone
2- Hormonal changes at calving
3- Loss of body condition -> loss of digital fat pad
4- SARA
5- Age- increased risk once lesion is formed

43
Q

How are sole ulcers treated?

A

Trim to transfer weight from ulcer site, thin margins of lesion and hoof block sound claw for ~ 30 days

44
Q

How are sole ulcers prevented/controlled?

A

Target 12h/d of rest = Standing Up Disease!
1. Stall design – cushion and space
2. Minimize time milking to <3h/d
3. Heat abatement – fans and water
4. Limit overstocking <1.2 cows per stall
5. Limit lock up time in headlocks

Unload the outer claw by routine trimming

45
Q

Where is white line disease seen in cattle feet? Why is it seen it this area?

A

Rear feet, outer claw, two-thirds back from the toe.
This is area of maximum force when weight bearing.

46
Q

What constitutes white line disease?

A

Hemorrhage, fissure, abscess related lesions on the outer claws of the rear feet, two-thirds back from the toe between the wall and the sole.

47
Q

What causes white line disease?

A

Altered structural integrity of the claw in combination with poor flooring and poor animal handling

48
Q

How is white line disease treated?

A

Trim to remove all loose horn, thin margins and hoof block sound claw for ~30 days

49
Q

How is white line disease controlled/prevented?

A

1) Low stress handling.
2) Flooring. Reduce external trauma, slipping, and excessive wear from abrasive or slippery concrete by adding grooving, texturing and/or strategic use of rubber floors
3) Preserve the wall when trimming but decrease the load on the claw

50
Q

What are toe lesions?

A

Ulcers, necrosis, apical white line disease and DD associated with necrosis

51
Q

What issues are associated with toe lesions?

A

Excessive thinning of the sole from improper trimming and/or excessive wear

52
Q

How are Toe lesions treated?

A

Trim to remove loose and diseased horn and soft tissue and hoof block sound claw for ~ 30 days

53
Q

How can toe lesions be controlled/prevented?

A

1- House thin soled cows close to parlor and reduce milk frequency.
2- Attend to risk for excessive hoof wear and poor trimming technique.

54
Q

How can nutrition help control lameness in dairy herds?

A

1) Feed to avoid SARA (unsure if SARA causes lameness!)
-Bunk space and management
-Ration formulation
2) Micro-nutrients – organic trace minerals, biotin
3) Maintain BCS >2.5

55
Q

What is deep digital sepsis and what leads to it?

A

Infection of deeper tissues of claw usually as a complication of neglected lesions: ulcer, white line, foot rot etc.

56
Q

Describe the process of providing regional anesthesia for a foot procedure

A

1) Tourniquet below carpus/hock
2) Prep vein (anterior-lateral rear leg, anterior-medial front leg)
3) Administer ~20cc 2% lidocaine through a 21g needle with butterfly – vet only
4) Test for desensitization!

57
Q

In what circumstances would a digit amputation be performed in a dairy cow?

A

Salvage procedure for cow to complete a lactation only

58
Q

Describe the process of surgical amputation of a digit in a cow

A

Incise IDS and aim fetotomy wire just below dew claws to exit through P2 – do not leave cartilage, delays healing.
Dressing provides hemostasis – change q48h.

59
Q

What is the goal of an Ankylosis Procedure?

A

Aim to retain claw and fuse infected joint(s)

60
Q

Describe the process of surgical ankylosis of the cow carpus.

A

Drill through distal interphalangeal joint with 1/2-3/4” drill bit and thread through a penrose drain, plastic tubing etc
May drill blind or make a surgical approach through incision – tear drop or heel approach- and remove navicular bone to visualize the joint prior to drilling.

61
Q

What constitutes proper after care for bovine foot surgery?

A

a. Bedded pack
b. Clean and dry
c. Pain control – NSAIDs only modestly effective
d. Cleaning and wrapping by caregivers
e. Recheck by veterinarian!

62
Q

What are characteristic ways cattle walk when they are lame/painful?

A
  1. Uneven head carriage/head bob
  2. Convex back arch between withers and tail
  3. Asymmetric/arrhythmic gait or ‘cadence’
  4. Tracking - rear feet falling short of the front feet imprint
  5. Weight transfer seen as sinking of the dew claws on the contralateral limb to the lame limb
  6. Abnormal joint flexion/stiffness
63
Q

What are % score targets for locomotion/lameness on the 3-point scale?

A

< 10 % Lame (score 1 or 2)
< 1 % Severely Lame (score 3)

64
Q

What is the ‘90 % Rule’ of lameness?

A

Most of the lameness in dairy cattle is in the rear limb ~ 90%
Most of the rear limb lameness is in the foot ~ 90%

65
Q

Where does the bovine distal interphalangeal joint lie in relation to the coronary band?

A

Distal

66
Q

Which claws tend to overgrow in dairy cows?

A

External rear claws

67
Q

What are the dimensions (hoof wall length and sole thickness) of a properly trimmed cow foot?

A

3” (75 mm) dorsal hoof wall and .25” (7 mm) thick sole

68
Q

What is a good target number of trims per visit for a hoof trimmer?

A

~50 cows/visit

69
Q

For a 1,000 cow herd that trims hooves 2X per year, how many cows would the trimmer need to treat at each visit if they visit the farm 40 times per year?

A

50 per visit

70
Q

For a 1,000 cow herd that trims hooves 3X per year, how many times would the trimmer need to visit to trim 50 cows per visit?

A

60 visits per year

71
Q

What percent of hoof lesions are caused by the ‘famous five’ foot diseases? Which causes the most lesions? Roughly what % of US dairy cows have this type of lesion?

A

90 %, Digital Dermatitis, 15 %

72
Q

For typical foot lesions, what region of the claw should be preserved and what region should be trimmed?

A

Preserve the toe triangle and remove only the wall in the heel

73
Q

What is the purpose of placing a block on a hoof?

A

Protect affected claw. ~ 1 month of walking with no weight on the injured claw. Get scar horn growth. Relieves Pain!

74
Q

What is the typical treatment for digital dermatitis lesions? Is there any concern with residues from this treatment?

A

Topical tetracycline. Wrap holds treatment in place and SHOULD FALL OFF within a day. Use of tetracycline does create a milk
residue usually <8 hrs post treatment and there is a 24-hour milk withdrawal time.

75
Q

What is foot rot? How is it treated?

A

Degradation of tissue in the interdigital space. Treatment requires a combination of debridement of necrotic tissue from the interdigital space and use of an effective
PARENTERAL antibiotic

76
Q

Where do digital dermatitis lesions usually begin?

A

Superficial, central heel

77
Q

When do cows likely become infected with DD-causing organisms?

A

During the rearing period, prior to maturity/lactation

78
Q

How can Treponema species persiste and evade immune clearance?

A

Treponemes hide away in the M4 and M4.1
lesions, encysted - undetectable by the immune system.

79
Q

How are M2 and M4 DD lesions different? How are they treated?

A

M2 DD lesions are acute/active and are treated with topically with antibiotics with the goal of clearing the bacteria and curing the infection. M4 lesions are chronic and are treated via disinfection with footbaths to prevent recrudescence.

80
Q

How is a sole ulcer different than a puncture wound to the sole?

A

Sole ulcer forms from the inside out. Begins as injury to the corium and becomes full-thickness defect to the sole.

Food Animal Medicine (6 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions