MSK DISEASES - CATTLE

Question 1

How do you preform an examination of the bovine foot - whilst animal unrestrained

Answer 1

• assess mobility
• which leg is lame
• how lame is the animal

Question 2

How do you perform an examination of the bovine foot - when animal is in the crush

Answer 2

Make sure the foot is clean
Stand at the side of the cow at all times 
Assess overgrowth of claw 
Assess overgrowth of some 
Look over foot for any signs of disease

Question 3

How long should the claw be on an adult Holstein cow

Answer 3

90mm

Question 4

How do you look of the foot for any signs of disease

Answer 4

Check coronary band
Separate digits and check skin of interdigital space
Twig test

Question 5

What is the twig test

Answer 5

Isolated which claw is painful
Grasp one of the claws
Look behind at the semi membranous and Semitendanous muscles whilst pulling the digit outwards slightly
If withdrawal response there is pain in that claw

Question 6

What do you use to trim dorsal wall ( toe)

Answer 6

Clippers

Question 7

What equipment do you use to trim the sole of the foot

Answer 7

Hoof knives

Question 8

Which claw do you start with when trimming bovine feet

Answer 8

Start with the least overgrown claw

Question 9

How do you check the thickness of the sole and prevent over thinning

Answer 9

Apply very firm thumb pressure to the area being trimmed

As soon as any ‘give’ can be perceived no more sole can be removed

Question 10

How to perform cut 1 during bovine foot trimming

Answer 10

Stand to left of the foot
Hold right handed knife in right hand, with a closed grip
Trim the claw closest to you
You can place left hand on top of right hand for additional support

Question 11

What are the most common MSK diseases in cattle

Answer 11

Fractures, dislocatio, nerve damage, arthritis and cut and bruises
However most common cause of lameness is problems in and around the foot

Question 12

How’s can lameness be assessed in style

Answer 12

Mobility scoring 
0= sound - not lame, walks normally 
1= tender/ uncomfortable 
2= lame 
3= severely lame

Question 13

How can MSK disease in cattle impact the farm economically

Answer 13

Vet bills 
Equipment 
Lack of milk production 
Labour cost 
Calving delays fertility issues 
Individual cow loss
Reduced value of cow 
Time costs

Question 14

What is the most common cause of recumbent inn recently calved cows

Answer 14

Hypocalcaemia - milk fever

Question 15

What is hypocalcaemia

Answer 15

Milk fever
A metabolic condition
Occurs when calcium is diverted to udder for milk production, causes shortage of calcium in blood plasma, this can lead to lack of muscle function and can cause paralysis

Question 16

How is milk fever diagnosed

Answer 16

Clinical signs

Clinical pathology - blood sample to demonstrate low blood calcium levels

Question 17

What are the clinical signs of milk fever

Answer 17

Recumbency and general weakness 
Stiff dry faeces
Retained foetal membranes 
Dry muzzle
Lack of rumen contractions 
“S” shaped bend in neck 
Weak heart sounds

Question 18

How is milk fever treated

Answer 18

Intravenously giving a bottle of calcium into the jugular vein - administer slowly
Additionally a bottle of calcium often infused sub-cutaneously

Question 19

How can milk fever cause calving complications

Answer 19

Milk fever all a common reason for death of calf
Low calcium levels interfere with contractions of the uterus and the cows ability to strain. This delays calving and can result in still born calf

Question 20

What does the 3rd cut when foot trimming do

Answer 20

Reduced weight bearing at a sole ulcer site