How to block a lame cow’s foot

Applying a block to a healthy claw can help relieve pressure on an injured claw, reducing pain and creating the conditions needed for healing.

Using hoof testers, check that the claw to be blocked is not painful. Do not block a painful claw.

Figure 1. Using hoof testers to check the claw

Good preparation is critical:

• Clean the claw thoroughly
• Dry with a hairdryer or with the careful use of a flame
• Do not scorch the claw
• Some synthetic blocks need flaming to remove surface grease

Figure 2. Cleaning and drying the claw                           

Select a block of appropriate size, shape and material:

• Wooden wedges suit cows with lesions in the back two-thirds of hind claws
• Synthetic blocks suit situations with high wear or chronic lesions. However, they need to be rechecked within four weeks to make sure blocks don’t stay on for too long

Most mature cows need blocks that are 13–14 cm long. This length prevents the cow rocking backwards. This is especially important for cows with toe lesions.

Mix glue according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

You can apply the glue to the sole, block or both. Make sure the glue is applied generously to the toe area and kept away from the heel.

Apply the block firmly onto the sole of the healthy partner claw.

Check that:

• The block is aligned with the inside wall of the claw
• The bottom of the block sits perpendicular to the leg

Hold the block firmly in place while the glue begins to set. Don’t squeeze too much of the glue out from between the sole and the block, or it won’t stick as well.

Figure 4. Blocking the claw

Smooth the glue onto the walls and keep it away from the soft heel bulb.

Let the glue set thoroughly for several minutes before letting the foot down.

Check the block regularly and remove if wear is uneven or the block causes discomfort.

Re-examine the cow approximately four weeks after treatment to make sure the lesion is healing and check the block.

If in doubt, remove the block. If the lesion has not healed and the block is badly worn, remove it and apply a new one.

Common problems include:

• Poor block position: A block that doesn’t sit far enough back on the sole can cause the cow to rock back on her heels, lifting the toe off the ground and reducing stability
• Inadequate drying: If the foot is not dry enough, the glue does not stick well
• Too little glue: Using insufficient glue can allow the block to rotate or fall off
• Cold weather delaying curing: Glue can take longer to set due to cold weather. Store all blocks and equipment in a warm place
• Leaving the block on for too long: Blocks that stay in place for too long can wear unevenly, particularly at the heel, causing the cow to rock backwards as she walks
• Block rubbing the opposite claw: Check that the back of the block doesn’t rub against the heel of the other claw
• Block angled backwards: The block should sit level. A backward slope can alter weight distribution and reduce its effectiveness
• Glue applied too far back: Avoid applying glue too far back towards the soft horn of the heel, as this can cause irritation
• Not providing pain relief: Failing to give anti-inflammatory pain relief (NSAIDs) – which has been shown to promote recovery