Bi-annual Claw Care
Claw disease and lameness are major issues facing dairy producers because of their common occurrence and the tremendous economic loses incurred. Early detection and prompt treatment can minimize the loss, improve recovery, and reduce animal suffering. A preventative hoof-trimming program will allow the dairy manager a proactive approach in dealing with lameness, and its causes.
Most hoof trimmers suggest that cows will benefit from a trip through the trim chute at least every six months. The hoof should be evaluated at mid-lactation and at dry off. One of the most important purposes for bi-annual foot care is to detect early claw lesions. Some cows may require little trimming, but all will benefit from the doctoring of lesions before the cause lameness. Be sure to remove all of the loose, damaged, and dead horn (without causing injury to the corium) whenever trimming of correction claw lesions.
In some cases depending on severity, it will be necessary to apply a foot block to the healthy claw to suspend weight baring and allow the damaged claw to heal. Hoof blocks serve two important essential functions: They reduce pain and encourage healing. Due to this, hoof blocks are fundamental tools for proper management of claw problems.
If a lesion is detected on one hoof it is important to check and, if needed, trim the opposite claw. Hooves tend to be mirror images of each other; quite often the same or similar lesions may be found in each foot. Finally, cows should be monitored, and then rechecked if they show no improvement in five to seven days. Typically, claw lesions will respond dramatically when offered proper corrective trimming and follow up.
Most hoof trimmers suggest that cows will benefit from a trip through the trim chute at least every six months. The hoof should be evaluated at mid-lactation and at dry off. One of the most important purposes for bi-annual foot care is to detect early claw lesions. Some cows may require little trimming, but all will benefit from the doctoring of lesions before the cause lameness. Be sure to remove all of the loose, damaged, and dead horn (without causing injury to the corium) whenever trimming of correction claw lesions.
In some cases depending on severity, it will be necessary to apply a foot block to the healthy claw to suspend weight baring and allow the damaged claw to heal. Hoof blocks serve two important essential functions: They reduce pain and encourage healing. Due to this, hoof blocks are fundamental tools for proper management of claw problems.
If a lesion is detected on one hoof it is important to check and, if needed, trim the opposite claw. Hooves tend to be mirror images of each other; quite often the same or similar lesions may be found in each foot. Finally, cows should be monitored, and then rechecked if they show no improvement in five to seven days. Typically, claw lesions will respond dramatically when offered proper corrective trimming and follow up.
posted by Daniel Montoya at 10:04 AM
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