PRESENTATION
BROCHURE
ESSENTIAL G IDES ON CATTLE FARMING
Hoof diseases Adriรกn Gonzรกlez Almudena Molinero
P72770_Hoof_diseases_cover.indd 1
20/12/17 17:04
ESSENTIAL GUIDES ON CATTLE FARMING
Hoof diseases
ESSENTIAL G IDES ON CATTLE FARMING
Hoof diseases Adrián González Almudena Molinero
P72770_Hoof_diseases_cover.indd 1
20/12/17 17:04
AUTHORS: Adrián González and Almudena Molinero. FORMAT: 17 x 11 cm. NUMBER OF PAGES: 82. NUMBER OF IMAGES: 123. BINDING: paperback, wire-o.
RETAIL PRICE
€35
Lameness is an issue of great concern for farmers and veterinary practitioners around the world. It affects both dairy and beef cattle farmers and is one of the main causes for culling animals. The interest in achieving good hoof health in cattle herds is not only due to the negative consequences of lameness on the farm’s productivity and profitability, but also to social pressure as a result of animal welfare legislations. The main objective of this guide is not to provide a specific view on hoof care, but to address the topic from a global point of view by gathering the authors’ experiences. This handbook, written by experts in this field, is an instructive and visual guide, which will show readers how to analyse the most important characteristics of lameness and the main measures for its control and optimal prevention.
Presentation of the book Lameness is a serious problem in cattle herds worldwide. It affects both dairy and beef cattle farmers and is one of the main reasons for culling animals. Moreover, an increasing number of cattle farmers are concerned about animal welfare, which has led to a growing interest in how to control and prevent lameness. This interest in achieving good hoof health in cattle herds is not only due to the negative consequences of hoof problems on the farm’s productivity and profitability, but also to the social pressure exerted by final consumers. Lameness originates in the hoof in 90 % of cases, and in most of these cases, it is observed in the hooves of hind limbs. An accurate diagnosis as well as an appropriate and timely treatment and the implementation of prevention strategies are essential measures to control lameness and improve hoof health in any herd. The main purpose of this guide is to explain lameness starting from the basics (anatomy, physiology and biomechanics) to improve the reader’s understanding of this health problem as much as its risk factors and to show topics such as hoof diseases, their treatments and strategies for their control. Among prevention measures readers will found also a complete description of hoof trimming method. The authors, veterinary practitioners experts in this field, have written an instructive and visual guide, which includes a wide variety of resources to help readers analyze the most important characteristics of lameness, and highlights the main measures for its control and prevention.
Hoof diseases
Authors Adrián González Sagüés (author) He graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Zaragoza. His work has focused, for the past 25 years, on lameness and welfare in cattle. He is the founder and technical director of ANKA Hoof Care, a company dedicated exclusively to hoof care and to providing training and consulting services in this field in several countries, as well as to the design of materials and equipment for hoof health. Adrián was one of the professors of the Master Hoof Care organised by the University of Florida; he has trimmed more than 100,000 cows in several countries thanks to his job as a professor, and has also been the coordinator of the hoof care committee of ANEMBE (Spanish Association of Specialists in Bovine Medicine). Adrián collaborates in scientific and specialised publications on a regular basis. He has participated in the writing of several publications and in the organisation of meetings and courses on lameness. Some of the publications in which he has collaborated are the Cuaderno de campo: cuidado de pezuñas en vacuno lechero (Field notebook: hoof care in dairy cattle) and the Tratado de Veterinaria BOVIS (BOVIS Treatise of Veterinary Medicine), published in 2003. He has also co-authored the books Manual of foot care in cattle and Laminitis y claudicaciones en bovinos (Laminitis and lameness in cattle), published in 2005 and 2009 respectively.
Almudena Molinero Argüello (scientific coordinator) She graduated in Veterinary Medicine from the Complutense University of Madrid. She has completed internships in the large animal and ambulatory care units of the University of Hannover and the University of Munich veterinary teaching hospitals. She has worked 3 years in ANKA, focused in dairy cattle hoof health, being in charge of quality control, trainings and advice to hoof trimmers, farmers and vets. Nowadays, she works in UNIFORM-Agri in Spain, a herd management software company.
Collaborators Gerard Cramer
hkeita/shutterstock.com
He has been an associate professor at the University of Minnesota since 2013. He completed his studies in Veterinary Medicine at the University of Guelph in 2002 and obtained his PhD in 2007. He worked as a livestock farmer in his own company for seven years. Between 2008 and 2013, he worked for the hoof care service Cramer mobile veterinary Services in Ontario (Canada).
Loris de Vecchis PhD in Veterinary Medicine. He is internationally renowned for his experience in the field of hoof surgery. He currently works as a specialist clinician in hoof health and collaborates with the University of Milan. He frequently collaborates with Professor Carlo Maria Mortellaro.
Hoof diseases
Charles L. Guard Charles completed his PhD in Biology from the Case Western Reserve University in 1975 and graduated in Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in 1980. He had previously obtained a degree in biomedical engineering in 1970. Charles is very active in research and training programmes. His main topics of interest are lameness and its impact on the farm’s economy and performance.
Juan Manuel Ramos Juan Manuel is graduated in Veterinary Medicine and he is specialised in cattle and lameness in extensive farming systems. He currently works as an academic coordinator for the subject of Milk Production Systems at the Technical University of Uruguay (UTEC).
Andrea Fiedler She completed her studies in Veterinary Medicine in Munich in 1991 and obtained her PhD in 1994. She has worked as a large animal veterinary surgeon since then. Andrea is specialised in bovine hoof health and provides hoof care and consulting services. She is currently a tenured professor of hoof care in Germany and collaborates with the Hoof Hygiene and Hoof Health Committee of the German Agricultural Society (DLG).
Communication services Website Online visualisation of the sample chapter. Presentation brochure in PDF format. Author´s CV. Sample chapter compatible with iPad.
www.grupoasis.com/promo/bovine_podology
ESSENTIAL G IDES ON CATTLE FARMING
Hoof diseases Adriรกn Gonzรกlez Almudena Molinero
P72770_Hoof_diseases_cover.indd 1
20/12/17 17:04
Table of contents 1. Introduction Lameness worldwide Temperate climates. Intensive dairy farming Temperate climates. Extensive dairy farming Dry and arid climates Tropical climates
Consequences of lameness
2. Anatomy and physiology Key structures Hoof Corium
Other anatomical structures Bones and suspensory apparatus
Digital cushions
3. Biomechanics Basic concepts Weight bearing Overgrowth of the lateral claw Forelimb biomechanics Biomechanics and movement Gait
Risk factors in biomechanics
4. Diagnosis of lameness Postural diagnosis Abnormal postures caused by lameness
White line disease Sole-heel fissure Hoof wall fissure
Environmental diseases
Upper limb lameness
Dermatitis (digital and interdigital)
Locomotion Scoring System described by Sprecher
Interdigital hyperplasia
5. Hoof trimming
Interdigital phlegmon or foot rot
Overconsumption. Thin sole Trauma
Basic concepts
Iatrogenic lameness
Hoof overgrowth
Corkscrew claw
Functional hoof trimming method Restraint. Required equipment Mechanical restraint
Tools required
6. Hoof diseases Classification of diseases Laminitis Classification of laminitis
Digital cushions disorders Sole haemorrhages Secondary diseases of the hoof Sole ulcers Toe ulcer and necrosis
7. Treatment Hoof blocks Placement: points to consider
Bandages
8. Control and prevention strategies Lameness prevention programs Data collection and analysis Footbaths
Facilities and animal welfare in dairy cattle
9. Bibliography
1
Introduction
Hoof diseases
Dry and arid climates Hooves with less moisture have greater mechanical strength. The ground is dry and absorbs shock. It is easier to maintain a hygienic environment using efficient forced ventilation systems. Infectious diseases control is more effective, and microclimates that minimise the occurrence of lameness can be generated. Areas near water troughs are critical points. Examples: Mexico and the Middle East
North America: 20–55 %
UK and Europe: 15–29 %
Tropical climates
6
Intensive farming in warm and very humid climates; associated with poor quality microclimates on farms. Very poor quality fibre in the diet (due to climatic conditions). Lameness is highly prevalent and difficult to control. Example: Florida, USA
Middle East: 8 % Mexico: 8 % South America (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay): 2–55 % Figure 2. Prevalence of lameness in different geographical areas.
hoof_diseases_Libro.indb 6
6/11/17 14:45
INTRODUCTION
Consequences of lameness Lameness affects a cow’s ability to rest, feed, and socialise, and therefore adversely affects its welfare. It also reduces animal productivity. The consequences of lameness can cause significant economic losses on the farm.
After infertility and mastitis, lameness is one of the main causes of losses of dairy cattle.
Consequences of lameness Decrease in milk yield Infertility Reduced lifespan Environmental mastitis Pain Loss of mobility Prolonged recumbency
hoof_diseases_Libro.indb 7
! 7
Anorexia Decreased feed intake Emaciation Immunodepression Aggressions Loss of social status
6/11/17 14:45
5
Hoof trimming
Hoof diseases
Hoof overgrowth In housed animals, overgrowth occurs at the tip and heel height is reduced, resulting in alteration of the foot angle.
a
b 30
Figure 5. Representation of weight distribution. Hoof growth with appropriate growth-to-wear ratio; weight is distributed equally between the toe and heel (a). Hoof overgrowth; the tip is separated from the floor and the heel supports more weight than the toe (b).
Normal growth
Uneven growth
hoof_diseases_Libro.indb 30
6/11/17 14:45
HOOF TRIMMING
Functional hoof trimming method The objective is to restore the correct balance of weight distribution between hooves, and to prevent and treat lameness. Inexperienced trimmers should follow functional trimming guidelines to avoid injury to the animal.
hoof_diseases_Libro.indb 31
STEP STEP 0
HINDLIMBS FORELIMBS Anamnesis and previous examination
STEP 1
Medial claw trimming Lateral claw trimming
STEP 2
Lateral claw trimming Medial claw trimming
STEP 3
Modelling axial holes
31
STEP 4
If signs of disease are observed during trimming, reduce heel in affected claw. Frequently lateral claw
If signs of disease are observed during trimming in affected claw, reduce the heel. Frequently medial claw
STEP 5
Heel horn erosion
STEP 6
If it exists, treat the lesion
6/11/17 14:45
6
Hoof diseases
Hoof diseases
Environmental diseases
Risk factors ◗
Caused by anaerobic bacteria, including microorganisms commonly found in the digestive tract. If conditions are favourable, these microorganisms can infect the skin closer to the hoof.
◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗
Facilities with poor hygiene measures Facilities with constant humidity Insufficient ventilation Weak skin barrier, which helps the infection by bacteria (metabolic causes) Trauma of the interdigital area Overcrowding Introduction of the disease from outside (new animals, mixed batches) Biosecurity
Dermatitis (digital and interdigital) Typically affects the interdigital space and coronary margin. Mainly caused by spirochete bacteria and other anaerobic gram-negative bacteria. This condition involves several stages, depending on infected area’s size.
56
Characteristic gait: affected cows display a bowlegged gait, intermittent weight bearing, and place the affected limb in front of the body. The cow walks on its toe tips if the lesion is located near the interdigital space.
hoof_diseases_Libro.indb 56
6/11/17 14:47
HOOF DISEASES
Other areas with dermatitis ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗
a
Asymmetrical heels Front portion of the interdigital space On existing interdigital hiperplasia Dewclaws Secondary infection of open abscesses Similar lesions affecting the udder cleft or scrotum
b
c
57
Figure 12. The primary focus is located in the interdigital space, and is not always easy to observe (a). Dermatitis is usually associated with heel horn erosion (b). Clinical cases should be treated topically (b). In some cases, “cured”cows (c) continue to show a latent primary focus (magnified image in c). This is actually chronic dermatitis, and should be controlled (hygiene, footbath protocol, etc.) to avoid reappearance of clinical disease.
hoof_diseases_Libro.indb 57
6/11/17 14:47
6
Hoof diseases
Hoof diseases
Footbath Heel imbalance
Primary lesion
Heel horn erosion (resulting from chronic disease)
58
Corno or hyperplasia
Sole ulcer
Functional trimming
Figure 13. Representation of the evolution of dermatitis (digital and interdigital) and key elements of treatment and control strategies (red boxes).
hoof_diseases_Libro.indb 58
6/11/17 14:47
HOOF DISEASES
Interdigital phlegmon or foot rot Acute and deep bacterial infection of the interdigital skin, secondary to weakening of the skin, usually due to penetration of a foreign body (microtrauma). Hindlimbs are more commonly affected. In the initial phase only the skin, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue are affected. A necrotic, purulent, and foul smelling exudate appears after 12 hours. If not treated early (within 24-48 hours), the condition can become complicated, affecting the internal structures of the hoof. The most severe complication is septic arthritis. Also known as interdigital necrobacilosis , foot rot or foul in the foot.
a
b
59
c Figure 14. Interdigital phlegmon with evident inflammation of the coronary area. Necrosis has developed at the site of penetration of a foreign body (a). More advanced foot rot with a more extensive necrotic area (b). Complicated phlegmon; inflammation has ascended the affected limb, with possible evolution to septic arthritis (c).
hoof_diseases_Libro.indb 59
6/11/17 14:47
Control and prevention strategies
Design: Ideally footbaths should be placed at the exit of the milking parlour, in a position that cannot be avoided. The footbath should not hinder the passage of cows and should be easy to fill and clean.
Figure 3. Footbath of appropriate dimensions. Adapted from Cook et al. (2012).
3.00 –3. 70 m
This is a system for hoof disinfection by immersion in a footbath. Its effectiveness depends on the design used, its location, regularity of use and the farm itself.
0.72 m
Footbaths
Hoof diseases
70° aprox.
0.28 m
8
0.50–0.60 m
74
Regularity of use: this depends on product used and farm characteristics, and should be determined for each herd situation. Figure 4.
hoof_diseases_Libro.indb 74
6/11/17 14:48
CONTROL AND PREVENTION STRATEGIES
Facilities and animal welfare in dairy cattle Cow comfort ◗
Critical factors
◗
◗ ◗ ◗
Facilities and lots designed to allow proper rest and passage of animals. Beds/cubicles of the appropriate size, made from quality materials. Proper maintenance. Avoid friction (especially on the hock). Preventive trimming programs. Appropriate care of lame animals Specific peripartum and hospital areas located near milking parlour (Fig. 5).
Environment ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗
Good condition flooring. Rough and slip-proof, but non-abrasive. Good hygiene in facilities Footbath protocol Temperature control and heat stress: ventilation systems. Livestock density that ensures rest period compliance. Avoidance of hierarchical problems. Minimal-stress livestock management
Figure 5. Good hoof health
hoof_diseases_Libro.indb 75
Feeding ◗ ◗ ◗ ◗
Suitable feed formulation, and adequate management of surplus feed Scheduled mixing and distribution of feed ration Adequate feeding trough design to avoid hoof damage and minimise social problems. Accessible drinkers providing fresh, clean water. Avoid build-up of standing water (Fig. 6).
75
Figure 6. Poor hoof health
6/11/17 14:48
The publishing strength of Grupo AsĂs Editorial Servet, a division of Grupo AsĂs, has become one of the reference publishing companies in the veterinary sector worldwide. More than 15 years of experience in the publishing of contents about veterinary medicine guarantees the quality of its work. With a wide national and international distribution, the books in its catalogue are present in many different countries and have been translated into nine languages to date: English, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Turkish, Japanese, Russian and Chinese. Its identifying characteristic is a large multidisciplinary team formed by doctors and graduates in Veterinary Medicine and Fine Arts, and specialised designers with a great knowledge of the sector in which they work. Every book is subject to thorough technical and linguistic reviews and analyses, which allow the creation of works with a unique design and excellent contents. Servet works with the most renowned national and international authors to include the topics most demanded by veterinary surgeons in its catalogue. In addition to its own works, Servet also prepares books for companies and the main multinational companies in the sector are among its clients.
Servet (División de Grupo Asís Biomedia S.L.) Centro Empresarial El Trovador, planta 8, oficina I Plaza Antonio Beltrán Martínez, 1 • 50002 Zaragoza (España) Tel.: +34 976 461 480 • Fax: +34 976 423 000 • www.grupoasis.com