Clinico-pathological alterations in Holstein dairy cows with digital dermatitis with therapeutic intervention

Abstract

This study was performed on a commercial dairy herd of 127 Holstein cows with an outbreak of digital dermatitis (DD). Fifty-four DD-affected cows and 20 clinically healthy cows of the same days in milk (DIM) were selected. A detailed examination of each cow feet was recorded. Gross description and anatomic distribution of DD lesions were recorded. Lesions were biopsied and evaluated histopathologically. Lameness scoring was performed. Milk yield and BCS of the DD-affected and healthy cows were compared. Effectiveness of topical oxytetracycline treatment was assessed. The disease was contagious, a total of 54/127 cows were affected in which 70 lesions were identified. The consistent findings were lameness, reduced mobility and a localized painful dermatitis on hind claws. Most cows were clinically lame (62.9%). In the majority (92.6%) of cows only one hind leg was affected, and the left was more affected than the right one (51.9% vs 40.7%). The lesions most commonly (55.6%) were located on the back of hind legs on heel region. Majority of lesions were M2 (44.3%), large size (74.3%), painful (82.9), pink/red (62.9%), deep (42.9%), and circular (60%). Milk yield and BCS significantly decreased in DD-affected cows as compared to healthy cows. Lesions were responsive to topical oxytetracycline treatment. In conclusion, DD is a major cause of lameness in dairy farms and has a negative impact on milk yield and BCS. High incidence of lesions on the back of hind claws is characteristic for DD. Topical oxytetracycline is effective in DD lesions treatment.