Hoof Problems
Sole Fracture
Ulceration of Corium
CAUSE
Found on the front and rear weight-bearing claws. Issues arise in mature lactating cows, because they lie down 10-12 hrs per day. During periods of heat, stressed cattle will stand, trying to stay cool, which reduces the number of resting hours required to keep a cow healthy. Long stand times cause bruising, hemorrhaging and poor blood circulation, that eventually turns into a sole fracture. The cow will show signs of lameness 1-2 months after the heat stress period.
Toe Ulcer
Ulceration of Corium
CAUSE
This lesion occurs when the sole horn is not thick enough to protect the corium, which produces horn, causing punctures or pinching of the corium. Low sole thickness is usually caused by over trimming or a high wear environment.
White Line Lesion
Infection in the white line area
Most commonly found in the outside rear claws
CAUSE
This lesion occurs when the sole horn is not thick enough to protect the corium, which produces horn, causing punctures or pinching of the corium. Low sole thickness is usually caused by over trimming or a high wear environment.
Sole Ulcer
Ulceration of the corium
Usually occurs in non-weight bearing outside rear claws
Digital Dermatitis
Anaerobic bacterial infection causing a skin lesion, typically on the skin between the heal horn and dewclaws
CAUSE
Leg hygiene
Rotated or Corkscrew Claw
Abnormally curled claws. The animal stands normal but walks with their legs further apart than normal. You may also notice the cow’s rear legs bow to the outside.
