Non-infectious causes of lameness

Question 1

List the 3 most common causes of lameness

Answer 1

sole ulceration
white line disease
digital dermatitis

Question 2

List 3 general factors that can cause excess pressure on the dermis

Answer 2

environmental factors (including hoof overgrowth)
The calving effect
Changes to the normal structures in the hoof

Question 3

List 3 environmental risk factors of claw horn lesions

Answer 3

standing/ walking surfaces
standing/ lying times
Track surfaces/ maintenance

Question 4

List 5 cow-based risk factors of claw horn lesions

Answer 4

digital cushion thickness
BCS
calving effect
milk yield and energy balance
previous lameness and long-term pathology

Question 5

at what point of digital cushions fully developed

Answer 5

during the second lactation (fat content increases with age)

Question 6

what are the digital cushions

Answer 6

Three cylindrical parallel oriented bodies
Capsule of connective tissue filled with fat
High in mono unsaturated fatty acid

Question 7

Describe the calving effect on lameness

Answer 7

around time of calving think there is a change in the quality of the collagen fibres which suspend the pedal bone
this causes an increase in the degree of compression of the sole dermis

Question 8

what do animals with a history of lameness generally have

Answer 8

new bone development on P3- which increases the likelihood of further lameness issues

Question 9

what is the best way to treat claw horn lesions

Answer 9

trim + block + NSAID
early treatment

Question 10

List 4 risk factors of solar lesions

Answer 10

walking/ standing for long periods on hard surfaces
Hoof overgrowth
periparturient increase in the movement of the pedal bone
loss of fat from the digital cushion and new bone formation on P3

Question 11

List 5 ways to reduce walking/standing for long periods on hard surfaces especially in post-calving period

Answer 11

Increase cubicle comfort
Cubical training heifers
Have a fresh cow group
design of collectign yard
Rubber matting in areas

Question 12

Describe some good features of a fresh cow group

Answer 12

Provide “best” cubicles at a low stocking rate or very clean straw yard for 4-6 weeks after calving

Question 13

How can having a fresh cow group reduce lameness

Answer 13

Reduces pressure on feet during risk period
Reduces stress during the post calving period

Question 14

List some ways to reduce standing times at milking

Answer 14

split cows into groups
increase parlour size
rubber matting where cows stand for long periods e.g. collecting yard

Question 15

List 4 risk factors of white line disease

Answer 15

1. Poor underfoot conditions/ track conditions
2. Turning sharply, shearing forces
3. Periparturient increase in the movement of the pedal bone
4. Loss of fat from the digital cushion and new bone formation on P3

Question 16

List 4 ways to reduce sharp turns and shearing forces in cows

Answer 16

remove bottle necks
remove blind alleys
avoid overcrowding
groove concrete

Question 17

Name a supplement that can reduce incidence of white line disease

Answer 17

Biotin- multiple studies shown to reduce incidence of WLD