Upper and Lower Limb

Question 1

do high concentrate diets cause claw horn lesions? explain

Answer 1

there is evidence for: high concentrates causing rumen acidosis and then causing lamanitis. we also know that lamanitis can cause lameness

there is NO evidence for laminitis causing increased movement of P3 causing lameness and claw horn lesions

there is a correlation between high concentrate diets and claw horn lesions but there is no causation. high producing cows tend to go lame and also they tend to each starch; it doesnt mean the two cause each other

Question 2

summary of the “new” claw horn disruption theory?

Answer 2

lameness causes reduced DMI–>BCS loss–> thinning of the fat pad/digital cushion–> poor shock distribution–>sole ulcers and hemorrhage

Question 3

describe CS and likely cause of damage to the following nerves in the forelimb:
- radial
- suprascap
- brachial plexsus

Answer 3

radial: limb flexed, elbow dropped, dorsal hoof scuffs groumd. cause: trauma or excessive traction of calf like with calving chains that pull on the calf too hard

suprascap: weakness of the shoulder, non specific lameness of the front limb. cause: headgate trauma

brachial plexus: limb is flaccid. cause likely trauma during calving or poor handling

Question 4

describe CS and likely cause of damage to the following nerves in the hindlimb:
- obturator
- femoral
- sciatic
- tibial
- peroneal

Answer 4

obturator: limb is abducted, from calving injuries likely

femoral: NWB, stifle flexed and they drag leg behind them, usually in calves from being injured during calving

sciatic: dropped hock, knuckling of the fetlock, can be from IM injections, calving paralysis, more common in sheep

tibial: hock dropped, digits flexed (not affected above the hock), from trauma to gastroc muscle

peroneal: knuckling, fetlock flexed, hock is extended (straight leg with the fetlock flexed), likely from prolonged recumbency

Question 5

what nerve is affected

Answer 5

knuckled over, dragging the fetlock, hock is lowered

sciatic (could be tibial too but less likely)

Question 6

treatment for peripheral nerve damage

Answer 6

NSAIDs, good bedding and non slip flooring, monitor for welfare

Question 7

what are the 3 Ms of a downer cow?

Answer 7

metabolic
mastitis/metritis
musculoskeletal

Question 8

definition of a downer cow? what are you worried about with a downer cow?

Answer 8

been down for 24 hours

the primary cause but also secondary damage to MSK like compartment syndrome

Question 9

PE tips for a downer cow?

Answer 9

check udder and uterus, rectal exam to assess the pelvis, feel joints and limbs, consider lifting or turning