Treating thin soles in lame cows

Thin soles are a common non-infectious cause of lameness, which requires altering the cow’s environment to manage the condition.

Symptoms

• Red or yellowish areas on the sole
• Thin soles
• Soles which flex when pressed
• Cow walks stiffly
• More than one foot may be affected
• Sole bruising – this appears as red areas

Animals commonly affected

Freshly calved heifers which are not acclimatised to concrete/cubicles are often affected by sole bruising. Others include stock bulls and cows that regularly walk a long way on cow tracks.

How to treat it

1. If only one claw is affected, apply a block to the healthy claw.
2. Do not remove excessive horn – the soles are often already thin.
3. Rest the cow.
4. Keep the cow on a soft surface (pasture or straw yard) until healed.

For extensive grazing herds, switch to once-per-day milking and keep affected cows in a paddock close to the parlour while recovering.

If you would like to order a hard copy of the Hoof care field guide, please contact publications@ahdb.org.uk or call 0247 799 0069.