LHW Lameness

Question 1

What pathogens cause digital dermatitis?

Answer 1

Treponema - denticola, medium, phagedenis

Question 2

Describe an M1 digi lesion

Answer 2

Early lesions, <2cm of ulceration

Question 3

Where on the foot are Digi lesions usually found

Answer 3

Usually on the palmar/ plantar region between the heel bulbs, may be on the dorsal metacarpal surface

Question 4

Describe an M2 digi lesion

Answer 4

Active ulcerative lesion, red to grey skin >2cm

Question 5

Describe an M3 digi lesion

Answer 5

Scab formation with healing scars

Question 6

Describe an M4 digi lesion

Answer 6

Dsykeratosis with proliferative lesions, .1 with chronic and active lesions present

Question 7

What topical antibiotic would be the treatment of choice for a digi case?

Answer 7

Terramycin spray - oxytet

Question 8

What pathogen causes interdigital necrobacilliosis?

Answer 8

Foul - Fusobacterium necrophorum

Question 9

Describe a foot lesion caused by F necrophorum.

Answer 9

Acute swelling, odour and pain between the claws

Question 10

What risk factor may lead to a case of foul?

Answer 10

Interdigital trauma - eg too hard flooring

Question 11

How would you approach a case of foul?

Answer 11

Check the area for a foreign body, clean the lesion, debride necrotic tissue away, give broad spectrum antibiotic for 3 days (anaerobe activity)

Question 12

What pathogen causes interdigital dermatitis?

Answer 12

Dichelobacter nodosus

Question 13

What factors can predispose a cow to developing sole bruising/ ulcers?

Answer 13

SARA/ laminitis/ external pressure (poor flooring) and an underdeveloped digital cushion (BCS)

Question 14

What effect would putting a block on a claw cause?

Answer 14

Blocking would reduce the concussive forces placed upon the claw with the lesion, hence allowing healing

Question 15

What treatment options are available for a case of contracted tendons?

Answer 15

Splinting, oxytet dose, tendonectomy

Question 16

What must you also think about when checking a calf with contracted tendons?

Answer 16

There may be other congenital abnormalities (auscultate and check eyes)

Question 17

What events could lead to traumatic rupture of the gastrocnemeius or tibial nerve?

Answer 17

Rotational force - eg getting foot trapped in a slat. Sudden weight bearing (mounting). Also hypophos or compartment syndrome

Question 18

Describe the limb position seen in an acute case of gastroc/ tibial n. rupture.

Answer 18

Overextension of the upper limb, lowered hock, knuckled fetlock, asymmetrical from the contralateral limb

Question 19

What muscle can be affected by abruptly lifting the hindlimb, for example, during foot trimming?

Answer 19

Peroneous tertius

Question 20

Why would a previous history of cruciate ligament injury discourage from using a bull for breeding?

Answer 20

Spontaneous rupture could occur when mounting

Question 21

What type of hip dislocation is most common?

Answer 21

Cranio-dorsal - particularly at calving/ oestrus where ligaments are more slack!

Question 22

Why is splinting NOT recommended for upper limb fractures?

Answer 22

The extra weight can allow the leg to act as a pendulum causing further damage/ propagation of the fracture

Question 23

What is the gold standard for comfortable bedding for dairy cows?

Answer 23

Deep sand (beware not shallow as can cause abrasions)

Question 24

How much space should there be at the feed barrier to discourage competition?

Answer 24

At least 70cm per cow

Question 25

What is the most favoured method of digital amputation and why?

Answer 25

Disarticualtion of the PIP joint - doesn’t disrupt the blood supply to P2 prolonging recovery.

Question 26

What are the indications for a digital amputation?

Answer 26

Deep joint sepsis, septic pedal arthritis. sole/heel foreign body, axial wall penetrations

Question 27

What clinical signs would be associated with septic pedal arthritis?

Answer 27

Swollen heel and above the coronary band. Non-weight bearing lameness

Question 28

What drug would you use in IVRA of a leg for digit amp?

Answer 28

2% lidocaine hydrochloride (NON ADRENALINE)

Question 29

Which blood vessel do you aim for when performing IVRA?

Answer 29

Lateral saphenous

Question 30

Describe how you would perform a digital amputation.

Answer 30

Incision around the circumference of the digit, 1” about the coronary band and heel bulb. Disarticulate.

Question 31

Describe the after care for a digital amputation patient.

Answer 31

Systemic antibiotics and NSAIDs. Can pack the wound and suture skin flaps. Bandage with ++ padding. Check and reapply bandage at 24 hours and recheck 10 days (keep on straw yard)