Cattle Shoes
click on images for detail

Cattle have been shod at least since Roman times. The purpose then and for many centuries afterwards was to prevent claw wear and to extend the range of draft oxen.

The bag in the shoe on the right was used to hold medications, therefore, in principle, devices such as the "SHOOF" were anticipated almost two thousand years ago.

Bandaging

The simplest method of protecting a diseased or damaged foot is to apply a bandage.

Bandaging has some disadvantages: The fabric may act as a wick to suck up contaminants. The fabric may apply pressure during weight-bearing.

Many workers pile bandages between the claws (diaper fashion). This tends to open up and/or apply pressure to the interdigital space. This is not advisable.

For some tips click on the picture to the left.

The SHOOF

The "SHOOF" is a slipper, constructed of almost indestructable plastic, designed to fit tightly around the whole foot. It is color coded to size to fit different ages and sizes of animals.

In my opinion, the value of the SHOOF is greatly underestimated as a method for the post-operative protection of surgical wounds. It also has many special applications for the intensive medical treatment of unresponsive lesions.

The SHOOF is more expensive than simpler shoes. However, it is reusable many times without deterioration.

The SHOOF has the disadvantage that it can come off the foot unless it is properly applied. For tips click on picture left.

The Lift

The lift is one of several different devices based on a block up to 1" (2.5 cm) thick shaped like a cow's sole.

The device is attached below a sound claw in order to lift a diseased claw from bearing weight thus permitting healing to take place.

It has been used extensively to treat sole ulcers.

In one form the "SHOOF" has been manufactured to include a left or a right "lift."

A plastic slipper such as the "COWSLIP," (photograph left) or the "EASYBLOCK" (click photograph) provide a simple means of attaching a lift.