Less common causes of lameness SDL

Question 1

Describe the aetiology of slurry heel

Answer 1

heel horn erosion- result of standing in wet corrosive slurry leading to formation of pits and fissures in the heel horn

Question 2

Describe how to treat slurry heel

Answer 2

regular foramlin foot bathing to harden heel horn
trim away loose horn
corrective trimming

Question 3

Describe vertical fissures

Answer 3

peiople produces a thin waxy layer that prevents the horn drying out - if this or the underlying wall becomes damaged vertical cracks can appear

Question 4

Describe how to treat vertical fissures

Answer 4

crack should be opened and any abscess should be drained - granulation tissue should be resected and a block applied

Question 5

Describe horizontal fissures

Answer 5

production of wall horn is interrupted as it is being produced, severe toxic conditions can result in temporary absence of horn production

Question 6

Describe how to treat horizontal fissures

Answer 6

open any crack that is infected and expose underlyign abscess to allow drainage, resect granulation tissue

Question 7

List the clinical signs of a fracture of P3

Answer 7

sudden onset
crossed-leg stance if medial front claw affected
twisting of affected claw= painful
flexion of extension digits = painful

Question 8

Describe how to treat fracture of P3

Answer 8

block unaffected claw for 6-8 weeks
good nursing (soft bed)
pain relief in initial stages

Question 9

what causes interdigital skin hyperplasia

Answer 9

chronic irritation of the interdigital area - from infection or impaction

Question 10

Describe how to treat interdigital hyperplasia

Answer 10

treat underlying infection
large lesions may need surgical removal of hyperplastic skin

Question 11

List the clinical signs of Blackleg (clostridial myositis)

Answer 11

severe lameness and upper limb muscle swelling
most common presentation is sudden death

Question 12

Describe how to treat blackleg (clostridial myositis)

Answer 12

high dose penicillin- often euthanised though
Vaccination

Question 13

List 3 reasons why cows are good orthopaedic patients

Answer 13

spend alot of time lying down
tolerant to fixation devices
have excellent bone healing capacity

Question 14

Describe how to treat hock bursitis

Answer 14

usually no treatment needed - can move to straw bed/ outside
DO NOT incise and attempt to drain- will introduce infection

Question 15

What is hock bursitis an indicator of

Answer 15

cow comfort