Individual Lameness: Foot Trimming

Question 1

what are the costs of lameness

Answer 1

Reduced production efficiency:

• Lower milk yield
• Lower growth rates

Reduced reproductive performance:

• Less likely to be served
• Less likely to conceive once served

One estimated was £323.4 for an initial case; will be very variable

Question 2

where is 90% of bovine lameness commonly found

Answer 2

in the foot

Question 3

name these structures

Answer 3

Question 4

name these structures

Answer 4

Question 5

what supports the pedal bone

Answer 5

suspensory apparatus

pedal bone support system

Question 6

what is the weight bearing % in the front and hind limbs

Answer 6

60% front

40% hind

Question 7

what factors affect the growth rate of the feet

Answer 7

Age, season, plane of nutrition

Irritation of the basal cell layer of the epidermis

Anything that increases changes in solar pressure will increase growth rate

Question 8

what is the overgrowth cycle

Answer 8

Question 9

where does overgrowth occur

Answer 9

abaxially and anteriorly

weight bearing surface shifts from pedal bone, anterior solar surface and wall to the heel bulb and digital cushion

Question 10

what is step 1 in functional trimming in the hind feet

Answer 10

Cut the inner claw to 7.5cm (1A)

• Maybe 8-8.5cm? (new research)

Keep the tip of the toe 0.5-0.7cm (1A/1B)

Save the heel height (1B)

Question 11

when should step 1 be skipped in the hind feet

Answer 11

Skip step 1 completely if:

1. The claw is already the correct length — right toe thickness
2. The claw is already too short — toe too thin

Long claw —> weight shifting towards the heels

Question 12

what is step 2 in functional trimming in the hind feet

Answer 12

Cut the outer claw to the same length and cut the bearing surface at the same level (if possible)

Question 13

what is step 3 in functional trimming in the hind feet

Answer 13

Shape the claws

Inner claw — steep and 1/3 across

Outer claw — shallow and 1/2 across

Leave front third (toe triangle) flat — important weight bearing surface

Question 14

what is step 4 in functional trimming in the hind feet

Answer 14

Lowering of the painful claw

In case of lameness lower the sore claw in the last 2/3 part of the sole in order to transfer more weight to the healthy claw (if possible)

Outer claw —> less weight bearing

Remove more horn at the rear 2/3 part of the sole

Question 15

what is step 5 of functional trimming in the hind feet

Answer 15

Remove loose horn and hard ridges

Check for other lesions and treat it

Question 16

what is functional trimming of the front feet

Answer 16

Stage 1:

Performed on outer claw (with hind feet it is on the inner claw)

Stage 2:

Performed on the inner claw (with hind feet it is on the outer claw)

Stage 3-5:

As for hind feet