Digital Dermatitis

Dairy cattle are often affected by a condition known as Digital Dermatitis or more commonly Foot Wart. It is an infection which produces inflamed red lesions on the interdigital skin of the hoof, typically on the bottom of the pastern on the rear feet, and may have hairs matted around the edges to form a rim. This extremely painful disease can occasionally be seen in the front hooves also. Dairy cows may try to stand up on their "tip toes" to try to relieve the constant pain of the weight on their heels. This condition is bacteria driven (Tremponema). Digital dermatitis is a disease associated with infection, however predisposing factors are unknown and the incidence has been increasing. If you have to replace dairy cattle it is important to thoroughly inspect the feet of the new cows. If the condition is present treatment should begin immediately with the infected cows placed in quarantine. Unfortunately, these bacteria thrive in the dairy environment. In particular the damp and often muddy barn aisles, and in manure build up on the skin of the hooves. When foot warts are observed during maintenance trimming the best course of treatment is with an antibiotic footbath or with a topical spray. Topical sprays are the least expensive and can be applied directly to the affected hoof. Antibiotics such as oxytetracycline or lincomycin are the preferred drug of many dairy veterinarians. If the foot warts have progressed to the point where more aggressive treatment is going to be necessary, it is always best to block up the affected hoof to keep the area from being further aggravated. If it does become necessary to block up the hoof, a bandage can be applied soaked in Rotational Zinc or Hoofpro at a 1:1 concentration.