Claw horn lesions in cows

Claw horn lesions develop when normal hoof horn growth is disrupted. They cannot spread from cow to cow, but if the corium (quick) is exposed, bacteria can enter the lesion and cause a secondary infection.

Also known as interdigital hyperplasia, tyloma or corn.

Most interdigital growths are best left alone. Although, careful trimming of any rough horn between the claws may reduce rubbing.

Some have digital dermatitis or foul which require treatment. Removing growths is an act of veterinary surgery.

Symptoms:

• Firm, fibrous mass protruding between the claws (Figure 1)
• Commonly infected with digital dermatitis
• May cause lameness if they’re infected or pinched when the cow walks
• Usually develops after chronic irritation of the skin between the claws

Figure 1. Interdigital growth

Sole bruising is a common condition which affects cattle at many stages of their lives.

It’s the most common reason cows receive a mobility score of 2.

Symptoms:

• Red or yellowish areas on the sole, typically in the sole ulcer site
• Sometimes no visible bruising, but there’s a positive reaction to hoof testers
• Cow walks with tenderness or stiffly
• Often more than one foot is affected

Cows most at risk:

• Cows standing on concrete for long periods
• Freshly calved heifers that haven’t been acclimatised to concrete or cubicles
• Stock bulls
• Cows walking long distances on tracks
• Cows with thin soles
• Cows with restricted lying time

Aftercare:

Provide a soft surface until the cow has recovered, such as pasture or a straw yard.

For extensive grazing herds:

• Consider once-a-day milking during recovery
• Keep the cow in a paddock close to the parlour

Figure 2. Sole bruising

Symptoms:

• Lameness affecting one or more legs
• A clearly defined area of exposed corium (quick) in the typical sole ulcer site
• Often found on rear third of the claw towards the interdigital space of the outer claw of the hind foot and the inner claw of the front foot
• In chronic cases, the corium can prolapse through the sole

Figure 3. Sole ulcer

Symptoms:

• A defect in the white line of the claw which is the join between the horn of the sole and the horn of the wall
• Most commonly seen towards the heel on the outside claws of the hind legs
• Bruising or discoloration in early stages
• Pus or infection
• Underrun horn or ulcer formation