Early detection of foot rot is key for improved treatment response. Mild cases may be treated topically, but most cases will require systemic antibiotic treatment. Several antibiotics can be used, including oxytetracycline, penicillin, ceftiofur, florfenicol, tulathromycin, and sulfonamides. NSAIDs may also be administered for pain relief. Affected cattle should be isolated and closely monitored; if recovery does not progress within a few days, additional treatment may be required. In severe cases, surgical treatment or railing the animal may be considered. A veterinarian should be consulted to determine the best treatment protocol given the disease severity, operation type, and withdrawal time. Preventative measures are essential in avoiding and managing outbreaks of foot rot. Proper ration formulation and consistent bunk management reduces foot rot risk. It is vitally important to keep the surfaces cattle stand on as dry and free of debris as possible as moist pen conditions increase risk of foot rot infections. Pen surfaces should be scraped regularly to avoid accumulation of urine, feces, mud, and other debris, particularly around bunks and water tanks. Proper drainage and sprinkler usage will help in reducing mud and high moisture areas. Pen surfaces should also be kept free of gravel, rocky soil, and frozen or dried mud and manure, which can cause trauma to the interdigital space of the foot. Flooring surfaces in processing, loading, and unloading areas should be inspected frequently for rough surfaces that may cause disruption of the interdigital skin. Supplementation of zinc, organic iodide, vitamin A, and vitamin D may aid in prevention of foot rot and other lameness issues. Some operations have utilized copper sulfate or formaldehyde footbaths at the time of unloading, initial processing, or re-implant as a preventative measure. While these footbaths can reduce foot rot incidence, it is important to understand the associated costs and environmental issues. Both commercial and autogenous bacterin vaccines are available for foot rot, but the cost effectiveness of such vaccines has not been clearly demonstrated. General management and biosecurity programs focused on improved health should also be implemented. References 1. AABP Lameness Committee. 2016. Interdigital Phlegmon (Foot Rot). American Association of Bovine Practitioners. Accessed October 31, 2016, from http://www. aabp.org/Members/resources/AABP%20Footrot.pdf. 2. Currin, J.F., W.D. Whittier, and N. Currin. 2009. Foot Rot in Beef Cattle. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 400-310. Accessed October 27, 2016, from https:// pubs.ext.vt.edu/400/400-310/400-310.html. 3. Mülling, C., D. Döpfer, T. Edwards, C. Larson, D. Tomlinson, and M. Branine. 2014. Cattle Lameness: Identification, Prevention and Control of Claw Lesions, First Edition, Zinpro Corporation, p. 52-55.
4. Dewell, G. and J. Shearer. 2009. Foot Rot in Beef Cattle. Iowa State University Extension PM 1728. Accessed October 27, 2016, from https://store.extension.iastate. edu/Product/Foot-Rot-in-Beef-Cattle-PDF. 5. Greenough, P.R. 2015. Interdigital Phlegmon (Footrot, Foul in the Foot) in Cattle, The Merck Veterinary Manual. Accessed October 27, 2016, from http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/musculoskeletal_system/lameness_in_ cattle/interdigital_phlegmon_footrot_foul_in_the_foot_ in_cattle.html. 6. Step, D.L., B. Whitworth, E.J. Giedt, and D. Lalman. Foot Rot in Cattle. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service ANSI-3355. Accessed October 27, 2016, from http:// pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2023/ANSI-3355web.pdf. 7. Zoetis. Bovine Footrot. Accessed October 27, 2016, from https://www.zoetisus.com/conditions/beef/bovine-footrot.aspx.
Chuckles From Down Under
By: Jane Sullivan, Bell Veterinary Services A miser called his doctor, lawyer and minister to his death bed. “When I die I want to take my money with me,” said the miser. “So I’m going to ask each of you to take one of these envelopes, each containing $30,000 in cash and throw them into the grave at my funeral.” The men did as they were told, but later the minister confessed that he had kept $10,000 for the church and thrown in the rest. “I’m building a new surgery,” admitted the doctor, “so I kept $20,000 and only threw in $10,000. “I’m ashamed of you both!” scolded the lawyer. “I threw in a cheque for the full amount.” pacdvms.com 23
