How to treat foul in the foot

Foul is a common infection in dairy cattle. It causes painful inflammation of the interdigital space and swelling. Cows with interdigital growths can be prone to foul. Growths can be a result of previous foul or digital dermatitis infections.

Common signs include:

• Sudden onset lameness
• Broken skin between the claws
• Symmetrical swelling and heat around the foot
• Unpleasant smell

Very aggressive forms of foul are called super foul (Figure 1). Digital dermatitis is also sometimes seen on the same foot.

Figure 1. From left to right: foul, interdigital growth and super foul

Clean out the cracked skin between the claws. Check for and remove any loose stones or foreign bodies.

Spray the relevant area with a topical treatment.

Seek advice from your vet about the most appropriate antibiotic to use.

Give anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) under veterinary guidance.

Ask your vet to look at animals if there has been no improvement or if there is a need to cut into corium (flesh) as this requires local anaesthesia.