Description

The prevalence of chronic lame cows in the UK is simply too high. Many do not receive proper treatment, which requires veterinary intervention. Tricky foot conditions include toe necrosis (rotten toe); “non-healing” claw horn lesions; severe digital dermatitis infections and distal interphalangeal joint infection. Photos of feet with such conditions, and their treatments, will be shown to describe best management.
 
The most common treatment option (and often the most sensible) for difficult claw lesions and foot infections is digit amputation. However, there are three main methods of digit amputation, each with advantages and disadvantages. Selecting the most appropriate method can greatly enhance a successful outcome. Beyond amputation, there are other surgical options, including radical wall resection, joint irrigation and arthrodesis, and partial amputations. The occasions where these methods might be applied will be discussed, and a brief description of some techniques.