Infectious causes of lameness in cows

• What are the clinical signs of bovine digital dermatitis?

  Typically appear on the plantar surface of the hindfoot.

  Starts as mild lameness progressing to moderated and severe if not treated.
• Bovine digital dermatitis - M0

  Normal, healthy skin, no visible legion, no sign of DD.

  
• Bovine digital dermatitis - M1


  Early stage, focal active, red-grey, less than 2cm.

  
• Bovine digital dermatitis - M3

  Healing, non-painful, form brown/black scab, often see after topical treatment.

  
• Bovine digital dermatitis - M4


  Chronic, non-painful, Dys/Hyper-keratotic overgrowth, Brown-grey colour.

  
• How do you diagnose digital dermatitis?

  Based on clinical examination
• What is the individual treatment for bovine digital dermatitis?

  Clean, remove matted hear and scab.

  Dry the lesion.

  Apply topical treatments:

  • Antibiotic
  • Non-antibiotic treatment.

  +/- bandage (remember to remove).

  Parenteral antibiotics are effective but may not be cos effective or justifiable.
• Bovine digital dermatitis - treatment for the herd

  Foot baths - copper sulphate, formaldehyde.

  Softer mattress.

  Less time on concrete, more on grass.
• What are the risk factors for bovine digital dermatitis?

  To high stocking density

  Poor hygiene - dirty feet.

  Incorrect foot bathing.

  Non-monitoring of feet/lameness.
• How do you manage digital dermatitis on farm?

  Early diagnosis.

  Early treatment.

  Rationale footpath.

  Addressing risk factors.
• What are the clinical signs for interdigital necrobacillosis?

  Damage to the skin - rough underfoot condition e.g. rubble, course straw.

  Sudden onset moderate to severe lameness.

  Anorexia, drop in milk yield, weight loss and pyrexia.

  Swelling of soft tissues above and around the coronary band and between the digits.
• What are the risk factors for interdigital necrobacillosis?

  Poor surfaces (abrasive, cutting, such as stones, poor tracks).

  Poor hygeine.

  Warm, moist environmental conditions.

  Other causes of lameness increase the risk factors of the disease.

  Beginning of lactation (metabolic status).
• How do you diagnose interdigital necrobacillosis?

  Signs are pathognomic once the foot is examined.

  Swelling of the soft tissue.

  Painful at palpation.

  Severe lameness (AHDB score 2/3)

  Swabs/biopsy can be used (suitable transport medium).
• What is the treatment for interstitial necrobacillosis?

  Wash and flush with plenty of clean water.

  Debridement of necrotic tissue if present.

  Parenteral antibiotics for 3-5 days

  • Sulphamethoxypyridazine
  • Oxytetracycline
  • Penicillin/streptomycin combinations.
  • Tylosin.
• What is the prognosis for interdigital necrobacillosis?

  Good if treated early, but if not then the prognosis is very poor.