Hoof diseases

PRESENTATION BROCHURE

HOOF diseases Hoof diseases

Adriรกn Gonzรกlez Almudena Molinero Gerard Cramer Loris de Vecchis Charles L. Guard Juan Manuel Ramos Andrea Fiedler

Hoof diseases

Hoof diseases

HOOF diseases Hoof diseases

Adrián González Almudena Molinero Gerard Cramer Loris de Vecchis Charles L. Guard Juan Manuel Ramos Andrea Fiedler

AUTHORS: Adrián González, Almudena Molinero,

Gerard Cramer, Loris de Vecchis, Charles L. Guard, Juan Manuel Ramos, Andrea Fiedler.

FORMAT: 22 x 28 cm.

NUMBER OF PAGES: 192.

NUMBER OF IMAGES: 250 approx.

BINDING: hardcover.

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RETAIL PRICE

78€

This book provides a global view of lameness and includes the key aspects of the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the hoof, as well as information about the different diseases that may affect it. It also provides detailed descriptions of the specific aspects of the hoof and of the essential functional and therapeutic trimming procedures to maintain appropriate hoof health. The information is accompanied by plenty of visual material and videos, which will be accessible through QR codes.

The authors, who are all veterinary practitioners experts in this field, have brought together their experience to offer a very informative and visual book.

Presentation of the book Lameness is a serious problem in cattle herds worldwide. It affects both dairy and beef cattle farmers and is one of the main reasons for culling animals. Moreover, an increasing number of cattle farmers are concerned about animal welfare, which has led to a growing interest in the control and prevention of lameness. This interest in achieving good hoof health in cattle herds is not only due to the negative consequences of hoof problems on the farm's productivity and profitability, but also to the social pressure exerted by final consumers.

A variety of publications are available about hoof care. Most of them provide information about hoof health in a small geographical area and in specific cattle management systems, in an attempt to generalise from particular situations. However, the aim of this book is to show lameness from a new perspective, by including both local and global considerations. Hoof health is highly influenced by environmental conditions, and knowing these considerations will certainly allow a more precise diagnosis and a more appropriate and timely treatment to be established. In addition, a deeper knowledge of the factors involved in the appearance of lameness provides greater possibilities to establish successful prevention strategies to control this problem and improve hoof health.

This book provides a global view of lameness and includes the key aspects of the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the hoof, as well as information about the different diseases that may affect it, with their corresponding control strategies depending on the geographic area and climate. It also provides detailed descriptions of the specific aspects of the hoof and of the essential functional and therapeutic trimming procedures to maintain appropriate hoof health.

The main purpose of this book is to show the different risk factors for lameness depending on the climate and/or region, as these elements influence the economic impact of lameness and its therapeutic possibilities and prevention measures.

The authors, all veterinary practitioners experts in this field, have written an informative and visual book, which highlights the main measures for the control and prevention of lameness and includes a wide variety of resources (such as videos accessible through QR codes) to help readers assess the most important characteristics of lameness.

Hoof diseases

The authors Adrián González Sagüés (author) Adrián holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Zaragoza. His work has focused, for the past 25 years, on lameness and welfare in cattle. He is the founder and technical director of ANKA Hoof Care, a company dedicated exclusively to hoof care and to providing training and consulting services in this field in several countries, as well as to the design of materials and equipment for hoof health.

Adrián was one of the professors of the Master Hoof Care Technician Program organised by the University of Florida. He has trimmed more than 100,000 cow hooves in several countries and has also been the coordinator of the hoof care committee of ANEMBE (Spanish Association of Specialists in Bovine Medicine). He currently works as a freelance consultant in animal welfare at an international level.

Adrián collaborates in scientific and specialised publications on a regular basis. He has participated in the writing of several publications and in the organisation of meetings and courses on lameness.

Some of the publications in which he has collaborated are the Cuaderno de campo: cuidado de pezuñas en vacuno lechero (Field notebook: hoof care in dairy cattle) and the Tratado de Veterinaria BOVIS (Treatise of Veterinary Medicine BOVIS), both published in 2003. He has also co-authored the books Manual of foot care in cattle and Laminitis y claudicaciones en bovinos (Laminitis and lameness in cattle), published in 2005 and 2009, respectively.

Almudena Molinero Argüello (scientific coordinator)

She graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the Complutense University of Madrid.

She has completed internships in the large animal and ambulatory care units of the University of Hannover and the University of Munich veterinary teaching hospitals.

She currently works for ANKA Hoof Care, where she is head of the technical department. She provides ambulatory services and is in charge of the quality control of field services. She also works as a marketing assistant for Spain and other countries.

Co-authors Gerard Cramer He has been an associate professor at the University of Minnesota since 2013. He completed his studies in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Guelph in 2002 and obtained his PhD in 2007. He worked as a livestock farmer for his own company for seven years. Between 2008 and 2013, he worked for Cramer mobile veterinary Services, a hoof care service provider in Ontario (Canada).

His research projects currently focus on the prevalence and effects of lameness in dairy cattle. He also collaborates in research studies on topics related to animal handling and welfare such as The low stress cattle handling.

He has recently participated as a speaker and specialist at the hoof health congress organised by ANKA and Zoetis in Spain.

Loris de Vecchis Loris de Vecchis holds a PhD in Veterinary Medicine. He is internationally renowned for his experience in the field of hoof surgery.

He is currently working as a specialist in hoof health and collaborates with the University of Milan. He frequently collaborates with Professor Carlo Maria Mortellaro.

Loris de Vecchis is also a renowned international speaker and has participated in several congresses organised by ANEMBE and in projects, seminars and courses organised by ANKA.

Charles L. Guard Charles graduated in Biology from Case Western Reserve University in 1975 and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Cornell University in 1980. He had previously obtained a degree in biomedical engineering in 1970.

Charles is very active in research and training programmes. His main topics of interest are lameness and its economic and productive impact on farms. He is a member of numerous associations of veterinary practitioners in North America. He has worked as an associate professor in the area of animal production at Cornell University since 1982. For many years he was the director of the university's large animal hospital.

Hoof diseases

Juan Manuel Ramos Juan Manuel Ramos holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine. For many years he worked with ANKA in Spain and Central and South America. He was one of the professors of the Master Hoof Care Technician Program organised by the University of Florida, and has also taught postgraduate students in Argentina and Chile. In 2004 he received an award from the Society of Bovine Practitioners of Uruguay.

Juan Manuel is a specialist in cattle and lameness in extensive farming systems. He now works as an academic coordinator for the subject of Milk Production Systems at the Technical University of Uruguay (UTEC).

Andrea Fiedler She completed her studies in Veterinary Medicine in Munich in 1991 and obtained her PhD in 1994. She has worked as a large animal veterinary surgeon since then.

She is currently a tenured professor of Hoof Care in Germany and collaborates with the Hoof Hygiene and Hoof Health Committee of the German Agricultural Society (DLG). She has published several books on bovine hoof care as an author or coauthor and has participated in several publications and meetings on lameness.

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Andrea is specialised in bovine hoof health and provides hoof care and consulting services.

Communication services Website Online visualisation of the sample chapter.

Presentation brochure in PDF format.

Author´s CV. Sample chapter compatible with iPad.

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Hoof diseases

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HOOF diseases Adriรกn Gonzรกlez Almudena Molinero Gerard Cramer Loris de Vecchis Charles L. Guard Juan Manuel Ramos Andrea Fiedler

Table of contents 1. Introduction Lameness in dairy cattle Lameness in beef cattle Risk factors

2. Hoof anatomy and physiology The bovine foot Key structures Bones Suspensory apparatus Fat pads

Objectives Previous examination Trimming technique

Therapeutic trimming, trimming in cases of lameness Most common mistakes when trimming Restraint – equipment and methods Tools and sharpening Case studies

6. Hoof diseases

Foot and hoof vasculature

Classification of diseases

Histology

Primary diseases of the pododerm

Development of hoof tissues

3. Biomechanics Forces during standing Weight changes Locomotion: gait, recumbency and standing

4. Lameness diagnosis Posture diagnosis During standing Weight bearing on heels Weight bearing on tips Assessment of hock position

In movement: locomotion scoring

Case studies

5. Hoof trimming Key concepts Objectives Functional trimming Concepts

Key concepts Aetiopathogenesis Laminitis Acidosis Body condition Digital pad Subclinical ketosis

Diagnosis Treatment

Secondary diseases Sole ulcer Tip ulcer White line disease Wall abscess

Sole fissure Sole haemorrhage Environmental diseases Key concepts Interdigital dermatitis Digital dermatitis Aetiopathogenesis Diagnosis Treatment and control strategies

Interdigital phlegmon

Aetiopathogenesis Diagnosis Treatment

Other hoof malformations Corkscrew claw Thin sole Iatrogenic lameness

7. Treatment Hoof blocks Functions and types of blocks Block placement

Bandages Material for bandaging Types of bandages

Topical treatment Surgical therapy Concepts Complex lameness cases and techniques Areas of deep sepsis Retroarticular abscess Septic pododermatitis Hoof slough

Lameness prevention programmes Hoof care programmes Data collection Analysis of collected data, epidemiology and decision making Hoof baths Facilities and welfare Free stalls Bedding systems Aisles Troughs Waiting area in the milking parlour Monitoring of stress due to heat Distances

Lameness monitoring Large dairy farms Beef cattle

10. Lameness throughout the world Temperate regions

Lesions caused by foreign bodies

Intensive production

Septic arthritis

Extensive production

Fracture of the distal phalanx

8. Additional drug treatments Concepts Pain Acute inflammation Chronic inflammation

Pain management in cattle Inflammation management in cattle

9. Control and prevention strategies

Aridregions Tropical climates

11. Influence of lameness on the farm's economy and performance. Control strategies 12. Stress free cattle management 13. Bibliography

Hoof diseases

HISTORY Although it seems that the attention given to cattle hoof health has been motivated by the industrialisation of animal production, it actually dates much further back in time. Documents have been found that demonstrate that, already in the 1st century, the Romans were able to provide good care to their cows and had developed devices similar to horseshoes in order to avoid the appearance of lameness when travelling long distances (Greenough, 2008).

Documents on agricultural activities from the Middle Ages also highlight the importance of hygiene in cattle to prevent diseases and rot.

Farriers are well-known for their dedication to horses; however, historically, they have also been responsible for the health and care of cattle’s hooves. It was a highly relevant profession between the Middle Ages in Europe —the 18th century in North America— and the Industrial Revolution.

Since the 19th century, there has been an increasing number of references in the literature to the importance of hoof care in livestock farming. However, it was not until 1985 that cattle professionals changed their perspective of hoof health, with the publication of the book Cattle footcare and claw trimming by Toussaint Raven.

Some techniques had already been developed before before Raven’s publication, but they were mostly aimed at achieving an aesthetic result rather than at improving the physiological and functional aspects of the hoof. The objective of trimming in the treatment of lame cows was essentially aimed at protecting the lesion. This was accomplished with protective bandages or by fitting specific shoes to protect the injured hoof. The mechanical concept of weight-bearing suppression on the injured hoof, which goes together with the concept of functional trimming, was not considered.

Because of the importance he gave to trimming as a solution to subclinical diseases and as a method to prevent lameness, two aspects that had not been considered before, Raven’s method was a turning point in hoof care. In his book, trimming is presented as an essential part of the treatment of foot lesions; he associates it with lameness prevention and emphasises the fact that subclinical diseases have a significant impact on the mechanics of weight bearing. A trimming protocol based on hoof anatomy and biomechanics that facilitates learning and standardisation is also established.

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Figure 1. Old hoof trimming technique with a chisel and board.

HOOVES OF COWS KEPT IN EXTENSIVE SYSTEMS Under normal conditions, hoof wear and horn production are balanced. Thus, the total hoof surface is the result of the relation between growth rate and wear rate, the latter being highly linked to the animal’s environmental conditions (Fig. 2).

Physiologically, a cow’s hoof grows at a rate of approximately 5 mm a month.

In animals kept in extensive or semi-extensive production systems, hoof wear is greater than in confined animals and animals walking on non-abrasive surfaces.

A cow that usually walks on soft surfaces does not bear the weight on the central sole area of the hoof but on its abaxial margins; the sole is not flat, it is curved from the abaxial wall to the axial wall, although the hoof adapts to the ground (Fig. 3).

Hoof trimming

A

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B

Figure 2. Hoof growth. A Representation of the growth lines of the hoof wall horn. B Front claws with a proportionate size.

A

B

Figure 3. The sole is not flat.

A The abaxial walls are the weightbearing points (arrows).

B The greater pressure exerted by these walls can be see in the hoof print.

Figure 4. Cows grazing in pasture. Note their posture, with one front limb in front of the other, which allows them to reach the grass more easily. Cows kept in stall cannot assume this posture due to the design of the facilities.

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Hoof diseases

Stature/Rump height (cm)

148 147 146 145 144 143 142 141 140 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Year of birth

HOOVES OF COWS IN CONFINEMENT There is a large number of cattle breeds for production. The main dairy breed is the Holstein Friesian; thanks to its characteristics, it has been chosen by farmers in numerous countries and is now the most common breed in the world.

In each country, the breed has been adapted to the local conditions, with breeding aimed at different objectives. Subbreeds that differ from the standard in terms of size and requirements have thus appeared. The same occurs in beef cattle; the predominant breed depends on the country or area, with what this implies regarding its adaptation to the environment.

The immediate result is that the trimming needs of these animals vary according to their size.

The mean rump heights in different countries are as follows: 142 cm in the USA, 147 cm in Canada, 140 cm in France and 145 cm in Spain. Therefore, Canadian cows do not require exactly the same care as French cows, among other reasons, because they are 7 cm taller (Fig. 5).

In intensive production systems, cows in confinement usually walk on concrete floors and spend many hours standing, which leads to changes in weight bearing on their hooves to adapt to the smooth and hard surface. Horn production and wear are not balanced. Horn production usually exceeds wear, which gives rise to excessive hoof growth (Fig. 6) and causes uneven weight bearing on the hoof (Fig. 7).

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Figure 5. Evolution of rump height in Canadian Holstein Friesian cows over the past few years. They are now greater in stature as a result of the efforts made to improve their performance parameters. Trends for stature and size in Canadian Holsteins. Canadian Dairy Network, 2005.

This uneven weight bearing may be due to mechanical factors such as not walking enough or standing for too long in comparison with animals raised in extensive systems. It may also be a consequence of chronic diseases such as laminitis or dermatitis, which lead to an increase in horn production as a response of the organism.

Some theories claim that the wear rate is lower in arid climates as the hoof is harder, while in areas with damp soil the hoof grows faster (Greenough, 1997).

It is also thought that those animals fed high concentrate diets produce horn at a faster rate. Fattening animals frequently suffer from chronic laminitis. In this regard, it is worth highlighting that this disease could already be observed in oxen fattened and sacrificed to the gods in images from Ancient Egypt. In beef cattle, horn production is related to the age of the cow, time of the year and quality of the diet.

The generalised consensus at an international level is that, as a consequence of permanent stalling, the weight-bearing surface changes. Confined animals therefore need a flat sole, since concrete does not absorb impacts as well as soft soils do in the case of animals kept under extensive conditions (Fig. 6).

However, there are other theories, such as the Kansas method suggested by Siebert, according to which the soles should be trimmed to the normal gradient, since, as explained by its defenders, it has not been totally proven that a flat sole in confined animals is more beneficial.

* The phrase “trimming the sole flat” refers to the fact that the sole is trimmed flat in relation to the hoof knife or grinder, i.e. the disc or knife blade should be parallel to the sole.

Hoof trimming

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In this book, the authors defend the ideas supported by most experts. A trimming method aimed at trimming the sole flat* following the protocol suggested by Raven, which is the most commonly used around the world, will later be explained.

As previously mentioned, permanent stalling affects hoof development, but it should not be forgotten that regardless of the housing conditions the hoof undergoes physiological deformation of the dorsal wall with age. In heifers (before first calving), the dorsal wall of the hoof usually has a slightly convex profile, which becomes concave after calving, especially in the lateral hind claws. It is understood that the third phalanx is not displaced, but it may lead to errors when measuring the hoof prior to trimming (T. Raven, 1985).

Figure 6. Detail of the growth of the medial front claws in a confined animal.

A

B

Figure 7. Representation of weight distribution on the hoof depending on its morphology. A Hoof with physiological proportions; the red bands indicate that weight bearing is proportionate between the hoof tip and heel. B Overgrown hooves; the tip is separated from the ground and bears less weight than the heel.

✔

Figure 8. Apex of the third phalanx on soft ground. The sole adapts to the ground and the weight bearing surface is correct.

A

B

✔

✘

Figure 9. On a hard floor, hoof A with a flat sole has a physiological position; however, hoof B with abaxial wall growth is not stable, which requires a modification of the weightbearing surface and alters the position of the third phalanx.

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Hoof diseases

HOOF TRIMMING The procedure shown in this book is an international adaptation of the basic routine described by Raven and consists of six steps.

The hind hooves are usually trimmed first followed by the front hooves.

The medial front claws bear more weight and therefore grow at a faster rate in confined animals. The same occurs with the hind hooves; in this case, the lateral claws are those that grow faster. As a result, the order in which the claws should be trimmed will vary, starting with the less deformed claw, which will then be used as a reference to trim the most deformed claw. This order will be inverted between the front hooves and the hind hooves.

PHASE STEP 0

HinD HooVES

front HooVES

History taking and previous examination

STEP 1

Trim the medial claw

Trim the lateral claw

STEP 2

Trim the lateral claw

Trim the medial claw

STEP 3

STEP 4

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the order in which the claws should be trimmed varies between the hind hooves and the front hooves as they have different weight-bearing surfaces.

Dish out the central sole region

If a lesion appears, trim the heel of the injured claw.

Usually of the lateral claw

If a lesion appears, trim the heel of the injured claw.

Usually of the medial claw

STEP 5

Trim away any eroded heel horn

STEP 6

Treat any observed lesion

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Hoof trimming TECHNIQUE

STEP 0 Previous examination The animals Before trimming, a visual examination of the animal and brief history taking are recommended (Fig. 14). This previous examination can provide a lot of information about the animal’s hoof health and should be accompanied by a short list of questions to the farmer to obtain information about the animal (history taking).

General aspects such as the animal’s body condition and aspect and limb hygiene should be taken into account. The position of the limbs and locomotion should then be observed to note any lameness and determine its type.

Special attention must be paid to the hooves and their aspect as well as to hoof growth, weight bearing and locomotion (Fig. 15).

Figure 14. Observation of the general aspects and locomotion of the animals while they are being taken to the waiting area.

The hoof In order to examine the hooves more carefully before trimming, it is necessary to use restraint measures and lift the animal’s limbs; this allows assessment not only of the hoof wall, but also of the sole and interdigital space (Fig. 16).

In his book, Toussaint Raven puts special emphasis on the examination of the hoof from a lateral view. The elements to be assessed in the lateral view are: the slope (more or less straight) of the dorsal wall, the slope of the coronary band and heel height. There is usually a small difference between the front and hind hooves, since the front hooves often seem narrower or straighter. This difference seems to be due to the fact that the heel is slightly higher and not to the difference in the slope of the dorsal wall.

it is always preferable to remove less horn and to trim more frequently if necessary.

Figure 15. Observation of the hooves of the animals waiting to enter the chute.

!

Figure 16. Before trimming, it is important to examine certain aspects of the hoof: whether the dorsal wall is too long or not (1), whether the wall is curved inwards (1), whether heel height is adequate, greater or shorter than usual (2), whether the growth lines are very marked or not (3), etc.

2 1 3

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Hoof diseases

REFERENCE MEASUREMENTS FOR TRIMMING In his book, Raven explains that the proportions of the hoof should not be expressed using exact values; it is actually a matter of intuition. Trimming cannot be measured, every technician should have a “clinical eye” (Raven, 1985).

As they correspond to a rational technique, simplified into a few steps that are easy to learn, the guidelines proposed by Raven in 1985 have been kept as a reference for the training of new hoof care professionals and are also used by the authors of this book.

However, it is worth highlighting that a recent theoretical approach suggests conducting a review of the functional trimming protocol. Its main argument is that hoof proportions vary according to the breed, living conditions and age of the cow, essentially. Cows today do not have the same proportions or characteristics as the Friesian cows for which Raven described his trimming protocol.

Cows in a few years’ time will also be different from those hoof trimmers work with now. That is why the measurements for the technique should be updated to keep up with the evolution of the different breeds.

In 2015, Newsome and his collaborators published a study on the appropriate length of the dorsal wall from which interesting ob-

servations can be made, such as the fact that the starting point of the proximal limit of the dorsal wall has not been defined in any of the existing bibliographical references in this field.

In the authors’ opinion, the dorsal wall length should be measured from the point shown with the finger in the image (distal end of the coronary band), i.e. where it is no longer soft to the touch when applying slight pressure with the finger.

To date, the most recommended measure for dorsal wall length was 75–80 mm, within a range of 60 to 85 mm, depending on the authors and with variations regarding where to start measuring.

The angle of the dorsal wall to the ground also varies between 45º and 52º, depending on the authors.

Figure 18. Correct point of origin to measure the length of the dorsal wall. < 75 mm < 40 mm 5 mm

Figure 17. Reference measurements proposed by Toussaint Raven for the hooves of Friesian cows.

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the trimming guidelines described by raven can be applied to the friesian breed. they must be modified according to the breed and age of the animal.

Hoof trimming

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TECHNIQUE

HINDLIMBS Video 1. Hind hoof trimming.

Step 1. Trim the medial claw Trimming starts with the medial claw, as it is usually the least affected by mechanical deformations and diseases.

■■ Check the length of the dorsal wall.

The dorsal wall should be 75 mm (3 inches) long. The rest of the hoof must be trimmed (Figs. 19 and 20).

■■ Check sole thickness.

The dorsal wall length corresponds to a sole thickness of 5 mm (0.25 inches). Therefore, the hoof is trimmed at the tip until a thickness of 5 mm is achieved (Fig. 21).

Figure 20. Trimming of the tip using hoof nippers.

A

A

B

B

Figure 19. Measurement of the dorsal wall length and removal of the excess wall. A Length measured incorrectly; the starting point is too close to the coronary band. B Correct measurement. If this point is taken as a reference, excessive trimming is more unlikely.

Figure 21. Once the tip has been trimmed: A The dorsal wall length is checked.

B The sole thickness is checked.

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Hoof diseases

the claw measuring device should always be placed perpendicular to the wall to obtain correct measurements.

■■ ■■

■■

Heel height must be preserved.

The sole should be flat. Trim at an angle perpendicular to the axis of the limbs to achieve a stable weight-bearing surface on hard floors (Fig. 22).

In the case of bulls, the hoof should be left slightly longer and thicker.

Step 2. Trim the lateral claw.

Taking the medial claw as a reference, trim the lateral claw.

Trim the lateral claw to the same length and thickness (Fig. 23).

■■ In those cases in which the dorsal wall is curved due to diseases, e.g. laminitis or deformations such as corkscrew claws, part of the dorsal wall can be trimmed to better assess the real thickness at the tip (Fig. 24).

■■ Trim the sole surface so it is flat (Fig. 25) and reduce the height of the lateral heel so it is the same height as the medial toe (Figs. 26-28). This can be done using a hoof knife or an electric grinder (more convenient). There is a wide variety of grinding discs for different levels of experience.

Figure 22. Medial claw of the left hindlimb after trimming. It will be used as a reference or guide to trim the more deformed lateral claw.

Heel height should be approximately half the dorsal length of the hoof, i.e. 35-40 mm (Fig. 29). Heel height should always be preserved, except in cases in which the heel is too high, such as in cases of digital dermatitis.

Figure 23. The claws are trimmed to the same length and thickness.

Step 3. Dish out the central sole region The axial portion of the sole of both claws should be dished out (Fig. 30). This allows the area to be exposed to air so that pathogenic anaerobic bacteria do not proliferate. In addition, this prevents the flexor tuberosity of the third phalanx from coming in direct contact with the ground or overpressure on this area, thus avoiding the appearance of a sole ulcer in this typical location.

The depth of the depression and the area it occupies will depend on the animal’s needs. If there is dermatitis or interdigital hyperplasia, a more marked depression will be needed; in healthy animals it will not need to be so marked.

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Figure 24. Examination of the difference in the thickness of the lateral (left) and medial (right) claws. The horn of the lateral claw has grown at a much faster rate.

Hoof trimming

5

TECHNIQUE

Figure 25. Trimming of the sole of the lateral claw to match the medial claw.

Figure 28. Checking that the sole is flat after trimming.

Figure 29. Preserved heel height.

Figures 26 and 27. Once the lateral claw has been trimmed, it can be seen that the soles of both claws have the same thickness.

Figure 30. Representation of the area to be dished out.

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Hoof diseases CASE StUDY

CASE 3. TRIMMING OF CORKSCREW CLAWS Corkscrew claws are a hereditary deformation consisting in a poor alignment and angle between the second and the third phalanx, which is usually long and narrow, in addition to having its outer margin curved inwards (Fig. 1).

It is essential to be very careful when trimming, as it is very common for the cow to bear the weight on the outer hoof wall instead of on the sole due to the lateromedial deviation (Fig. 2).

Figure 1. Corkscrew claw.

Procedure

1

2

Straighten the dorsal wall of the corkscrew claw.

the heel of the normal claw should not be trimmed.

Trim the excess length step by step. Stop trimming if any haemorrhage is observed.

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Figura 2. The deformation causes a shift of weight bearing to the outer hoof wall.

3

Trim the tip and sole to the same length of the other claw.

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4 Trim the tip and sole to the same height as the other claw.

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Eliminate the curvature of the outer wall (red line).

Result after trimming.

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