Charles Guard, DVM, PhD

The general principles of therapy for digital diseases are to eliminate the pain first and foremost and then to correct the underlying problem if possible.

Treatment protocols are often the means by which veterinarians guide the treatments given to sick cattle when detection, examination, and treatments are all conducted by farm personnel.

What we see as the current condition of the claws on any cow is a result of continuous growth, continuous wear, and intermittent trimming.

Foot rot is caused by specific pathogenic strains of Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteriodes melaninogenicus that gain entry through the interdigital skin.

Knowing the cost of common diseases can help dairy farmers and their veterinarians plan treatment and prevention strategies that are likely to improve the profitability of the dairy.

Untreated or late-treated foot rot, a complicated sole ulcer, a white line abscess that extends into retroarticular structures, and puncture wounds may all result in necrosis and or infection of structures important for weight bearing.