Short communication: Claw block application improves locomotion and weight-bearing characteristics in cattle with foot diseases

Plüss, J; Steiner, Adrian; Alsaaod, Maher

doi:10.3168/jds.2020-19135

Cited by 7 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…The difference in lameness recovery rates between LTNB and LT and the association with limb withdrawal was further confirmed in the logistic regression model. Specifically, LTNB had four times higher odds of successful treatment compared to LT, which is consistent with previous studies as discussed earlier ( 15 , 30 ). There was also a tendency for lower recovery rates in cows that exhibited vocalization during the last observation period.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…On the other hand, severe lesions may respond differently to treatment involving block and NSAID as both stages of corium compression and end-stage inflammation are present. For instance, block application in lame cows led to improved gait properties but the difference in weight distribution across the limbs was smaller in cows with more severe lameness than in mildly lame cows ( 30 ). Further investigations comparing treatment protocols in lame cows affected with claw lesions of varying severity would assist in elucidating the underlying events.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Two cows from Non-LT also developed lameness on the trimmed foot and contralateral limb during the study period. Block application may provoke discomfort and behavioral alterations that may initiate redistribution of weight-bearing between the claws ( 30 ), thereby resulting in a lower healing rate of the affected claw ( 15 ). However, concurrent development of claw lesions might occur in both hind limbs and subsequent onset of lameness at different periods.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Treatment protocols for claw horn lesions and their impact on lameness recovery, pain sensitivity, and lesion severity in moderately lame primiparous dairy cows

et al. 2022

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This study aims to investigate the effects of routine treatment protocols for claw horn disruptive lesions (CHDL) on lameness recovery rates, pain sensitivity, and lesion severity in moderately lame primiparous cows. A cohort of first parity cows was recruited from a single commercial dairy herd and randomly allocated to five treatments, comprising four lame groups (LTNB, LTN, LTB, and LT) and a single group non-lame group. Eligibility criteria for the lame cows included a first lameness score (score 3/5), presence of CHDL on a single foot, good body condition score of 3.0 to 3.5, and no history of previous lameness. LTNB received a combination of therapeutic trim, administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID; Ketoprofen) for 3 days, and hoof block on the healthy claw. Both LTN and LTB received the same treatment as LTNB without hoof block and NSAID, respectively. LT received only a therapeutic trim, whereas non-LT (negative control) received either a therapeutic or preventive trim. Pain sensitivity was assessed using the limb withdrawal reflex while lesion severity was recorded using the International Committee Animal Records (ICAR) Atlas guide. The enrolled cows were observed at weekly intervals, and the primary outcomes were assessed 28 days after treatment. The number (%) of recovered cows was 15 of 20 (75%), 13 of 21 (61.9%), 6 of 14 (42.9%), and 6 of 15 (40%) for LTNB, LTN, LTB, and LT, respectively. LTNB had significantly higher odds of successful treatment (OR = 4.5; 95% 1.1–19.1) compared to LT. Pain sensitivity based on limb withdrawal reflex was absent in a significantly higher number of cows (15/20; 75.0%) in LTNB compared to LTB and LT. LTB had a significantly lower lesion severity score in comparison to LTN. Overall, cows with limb withdrawal at day 28 after treatment were less likely (OR = 0.06; 95% CI 0.01–0.24) to develop a non-lame score. In conclusion, the treatment with therapeutic trim, hoof block, and NSAID led to better recovery and reduced pain sensitivity in moderately lame primiparous cows with good BCS compared to those that received only therapeutic trim. Further research on the changes within the hoof capsule following various treatment protocols is needed to elucidate the clinical benefits observed in this study.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Treatment protocols for claw horn lesions and their impact on lameness recovery, pain sensitivity, and lesion severity in moderately lame primiparous dairy cows

et al. 2022

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“…In this study, NSAIDs were repeatedly administered, starting immediately after the injury whereas the orthopedic claw block was applied 4 weeks later. In previous studies in cattle, it was shown that applying an orthopedic claw block significantly improved weight bearing while walking but not during standing, and administration of the NSAID ketoprofen improved weight bearing during walking as well as standing ( 13 , 16 ). Radiographic and/or ultrasonographic examination are critical in diagnosing the fracture.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…We describe for the first time the successful treatment of a multifragmentary P1 fracture in a European bison. Application of a block to the healthy partner claw is a non-invasive technique and reduces pain during walking ( 13 ), allows for passive fracture immobilization and therefore supports fracture healing. Its use in treating P3 fractures in cattle is common and well-described ( 14 ), but reports in wild ungulates are very limited ( 1 , 15 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Case Report: Proximal Phalangeal Fracture Management in a European Bison (Bison bonasus)

Hoby¹,

Steiner

Jucker³

et al. 2022

Front. Vet. Sci.

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Fracture of the digits is a well-known orthopedic condition in adult cattle, and mainly the distal phalanx (P3) is involved. To our knowledge, the treatment of fractures of the middle (P2) and proximal (P1) phalanges with orthopedic claw blocks has not yet been described in cattle and other ruminants. This report describes the first case of the successful management of a P1 fracture in an adult European bison. A 5-year-old female European bison (Bison bonasus) presented with severe weight bearing lameness of the left hind limb and a marked soft tissue swelling accentuated over the plantar and lateral aspects of the proximal and middle phalanges, associated with multifocal light bluish discoloration of the skin (hematoma) and increased local temperature. The cow was examined and managed because of a severely comminuted fracture of the lateral P1 of the left hind limb. Application of an orthopedic block on the healthy medial partner claw allowed to reduce the load of the affected digit. Combined with the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it supported immobilization and recovery. Radiographic re-evaluations at weeks 6, 9, and 11 after the injury revealed progressive callus formation and fracture consolidation. From week 9 onwards, until the end of treatment, no lameness was observed. The healing process was good, and both clinical and radiographical improvement were evident after immobilizing the affected digit by applying an orthopedic claw block on the healthy partner claw and administering non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

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Review of guidelines for functional claw trimming and therapeutic approach to claw horn lesions in cattle

Vidmar

Hodnik

Starič

2021

Trop Anim Health Prod

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Lameness is one of the most pressing health and welfare problems in cattle, especially on dairy farms. The most common cause of lameness is claw pathology, often due to lack of appropriate functional claw trimming. Functional claw trimming restores the physiological shape of the claws, distributes weight properly between the claws and over the claw weight-bearing surface. It also allows closer examination of the claws for early signs of pathology. The methods of functional claw trimming described in the previous century are still applicable today, considering some recent findings on the subject. It is essential not to over-trim the claws and to maintain strict hygiene of the trimming tools. Claw horn pathology in the early stages is usually treated effectively by therapeutic claw trimming alone. The stoic nature of cattle and their natural tendency to hide pain often result in delayed treatment of claw diseases, leading to more advanced stages of disease/pathology associated with higher-grade lameness. This situation often leads to the development of neuropathic pain and hyperalgesia requiring multimodal treatment. Because claw horn diseases are multifactorial, veterinarians and others involved in animal management must be familiar with the preventive measures available to improve claw health in a cattle herd. Further research to improve claw horn quality and effectively control/prevent claw infections without polluting the environment or negatively affecting worker and animal health is still needed. This article reviews the latest knowledge on functional claw trimming and treatment of the most common claw horn diseases in cattle.

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Short communication: Claw block application improves locomotion and weight-bearing characteristics in cattle with foot diseases

Cited by 7 publications

References 29 publications

Treatment protocols for claw horn lesions and their impact on lameness recovery, pain sensitivity, and lesion severity in moderately lame primiparous dairy cows

Treatment protocols for claw horn lesions and their impact on lameness recovery, pain sensitivity, and lesion severity in moderately lame primiparous dairy cows

Case Report: Proximal Phalangeal Fracture Management in a European Bison (Bison bonasus)

Review of guidelines for functional claw trimming and therapeutic approach to claw horn lesions in cattle

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