Perspectives on the treatment of claw lesions in cattle

Abstract

Lameness is a leading cause of welfare and culling issues in cattle, with claw lesions accounting for the majority of these issues. Although the treatment of claw lesions in cattle is a daily activity for hoof trimmers, veterinarians, and livestock producers, there is surprisingly little information in the peer-reviewed literature on which to base strong evidence-based conclusions. As a consequence, many treatment modalities used are empirical and, in some cases, may be counterproductive to rapid lesion healing. Furthermore, many of these empirical treatment modalities fail to fully consider the underlying pathogenesis of the disease process and the implications that it has on lesion healing. For example, sole ulcers are largely a consequence of metabolic disorders and mechanical overloading. Therapeutic interventions that fail to address the weight-bearing issues are unlikely to be successful. Likewise, white line disease is believed to be predisposed by rumen acidosis and laminitis, and interventions need to include in them appropriate measures to prevent further cases through nutritional management. The goal of this review paper is to review the pathogenesis of claw lesions in the context of the published literature and allow the reader to arrive at rational treatment interventions based on the best available information. The use of an orthopedic block applied to the healthy claw of a lame foot, judicious use of bandage or wrap, careful selection of parenteral or topical therapy, and a treatment protocol to manage pain and promote recovery are key components of responsible management of lameness disorders in cattle.

Keywords: claw lesions; lameness; sole ulcer; treatment; white line disease.

Figure 1

Histology of the corium and epithelium of the bovine claw. Note: The diagram illustrates the digital cushion, corium layers of the epithelium that comprise the claw horn capsule including the basement membrane, stratum basale (basal cell layer), stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum lucidum and stratum corneum. Reproduced from Shearer JK, van Amstel SR. Manual of Foot Care in Cattle. 2nd ed. Ft Atkinson, WI: WD Hoards and Sons Company; 2013.

Figure 2

Claw zone diagram. Notes: Diagram showing zones used for recording claw lesions. Reprinted from Journal of Dairy Science. Vol 92(7). Sanders AH, Shearer JK, De Vries A. Seasonal incidence of lameness and risk factors associated with thin soles, white line disease, ulcers, and sole punctures in dairy cattle. Pages 3165–3174., Copyright 2009, with permission from Elsevier.

Figure 3

Sagittal view of the bovine hoof illustrating the white line (WL) in relation to the periople (P), wall (W), sole (S) and deeper structures of the laminar corium (dermal laminae [DL]). Notes: The WL is a three-part structure formed by epidermal cells in the distal wall and laminar region. It consists of an outer (A), intermediate (B), and inner zone (C). The outermost region (A) of the WL is formed in the upper most part of the dermal laminae (DL) that lies adjacent to the wall (W). The outer zone (A) consists of non-pigmented and non-tubular horn. The intermediate zone (B) of the WL consists of cap horn produced by the cap papillae (CP) and the inner zone (C) contains tubular horn which is formed by the epidermis of the terminal papillae (TP) they bend under the tip of the toe to merge with the sole. Adapted from Mulling C. Theories on the pathogenesis of white line disease – an anatomical perspective. In: 12th International Symposium on Lameness in Ruminants; 2002; Orlando, Florida.

Figure 4

Cow with sole ulcer 24 hours posttreatment with oxytetracycline soluble powder.

Figure 5

Cow with sole ulcer and excessive granulation tissue at 21 days posttreatment with oxytetracycline soluble powder.