Production animal lameness

Question 1

What are the 4 main causes of lameness?

Answer 1

Musculoskeletal system
Neurological System
Notifiable Disease
Lameness as a secondary symptom

Question 2

What are the 4 success factors for healthy feet?

Answer 2

Low Infection Pressure
Good Hoof shape
Early detection
Low forces on the feet

Question 3

What is the dutch 5 step method for trimming?

Answer 3

1. Length – 75mm (toe-coronary band)
2. Level
3. Model
4. Treatment and lower height
   of lame claw
5. Loose horn and irregular ridges

Question 4

What are some items you may need for hoof trimming?

Answer 4

Hoof Knives
Electric grinder
Topical treatments
Bandages
Systemic antibiotics
NSAIDS

Question 5

What is the hospital pen management for lame cows?

Answer 5

• Comfortable bedding – Ideally loose bedding (straw/sand) and
  regularly cleaned out. Could be outdoor if appropriate
• Close to parlour
• Easy access to food and water

Question 6

What are the important factors to consider for footbathing?

Answer 6

Cleanliness of bath
Frequency
Choice of product
Correct concentration
Size of bath (number of steps in bath)
Depth of bath

Question 7

What should the footbath depth be at the end of each session?

Answer 7

12.5cm

Question 8

What are the two main surgical interventions for lameness?

Answer 8

Partial amputation of P3
Complete amputation of P3

Question 9

What is the 5 point plan to reduce lameness in sheep?

Answer 9

• Cull
• Identification key. Two strikes then cull
• Avoid spread
• Improve underfoot conditions, preventative footbath (correctly)
• Treatment
• Prompt (<3days from identification) and effective
  *Quarantine
• 21 day quarantine, inspect sheep pre-purchase
• Vaccinate
• Foot rot prevention - Footvax