Foot trimming, amputation and arthrodesis Flashcards
What is the preferred method of digital amputation?
Disarticulation of proximal interphalngeal joint
What is ankylosis?
Stiffening of a joint following injury
Fusion = arthrodesis
What is the Dutch 5 step method?
- Measure 7.5cm and trim first claw (inner if HL, outer if FL)
- Measure and trim other claw
- Modelling
- Unload painful claw - block if needed
- Remove loose, under-run horn
When modelling or dishing out cow feet, which claw should be shallow?
Medial claw shallow in FLs
Lateral claw shallow in HLs
Name some of the consequences of lameness
Poor welfare Reduced milk yield Reduced DMI Reduced body condition Reduced fertility Increased culling rate Poor health overall
What are the mobility scores of cattle?
0 - non-lame
1 - mild lameness, could benefit from foot trimming
2- moderate lameness, treatment required
3 - severe lameness, may require culling
What is the most common cause of a sole ulcer? Are forelimbs or hindlimbs mostly affected? Which claw?
Overloading
Hindlimbs
Lateral claw
What may cause a cow to get a thin digital cushion?
Low BCS
What should the sole depth be for a cow claw?
5-8mm
When should routine foot trimming be done?
Drying off
60 days post-calving
Name 3 risk factors for white line disease
Walking on even, stony surfaces
Sudden turning
Sheer forces
How is white line disease treated and prevented?
Regular foot trimming
Decreased standing time
Improved tracks and housing
What is the treatment for solar penetration?
Remove the foreign body!
What is the difference between digital dermatitis and slurry heel (heel horn erosion)?
Digital dermatitis - treponemes, affecting skin
Slurry heel - Dichelobacter, consequence of IDD affects horn
When is blocking a claw contraindicated? What treatment should be done instead?
If the other claw is not healthy
Straw bedding rest
