Foot Rot
click on images for detail

Description

The scientific name for this disease is Interdigital Phlegmon. Other terms used are interdigital necrobacilosis, foul and claw evil. (click image)

The disease is characterized by swelling of the entire foot up to the fetlock. The two digits are stretched apart.

The onset of the disease is rapid. This is a very painful condition which, if not treated, will continue for more than seven days .or until complications set in.

An affected cow will become very lame and its milk yield will drop. Unless treatment is immediate, the milk yield for the whole lactation will be compromised.

Complications

The most serious complication is involvement of the toe joint. This happens when the skin between the claws rots away, exposing the joint capsule to infection. (click image)

Cause

The disease is caused by a bacteria Fusobacterium Necrophorum. This organism can survive and perhaps multiply in the soils, slurry and the animal's gut.

It is believed that the skin must be damaged by moisture, slurry, abrasives and other organisms to permit F. Necrophorum to enter the body.

The risk of infection increases relative to the number of organisms in the environment.

Treatment

If a "swollen foot" does not show some response to treatment in 24 hours, consider the following:

• The cause is NOT foot rot.
• The treatment is inadequate (dosage too low).
• The animal now has a septic joint which cannot be restored to normal function.

In most cases the most cost effective way of dealing with a septic toe joint is to amputate the digit (see Surgery).

If the animal is extremely valuable, an infected joint can be immobilized surgically (ankylosed). This procedure will allow the animal to walk normally, but it is a very expensive operation.

Penicillin has been used successfully for many years. Today higher than label-recommended doses often have to be used. This increases the milk withdrawal time considerably. Exceeding the recommended dose should only be on the recommendation of a veterinarian.

Oxytetracycline

Single doses of the long-acting form of this antibiotic may also produce a good response.

Other Medications

Tylosine, sodium sulfadimidine, trimethoprin-sulfadoxine as well as other antibiotics may be prescribed by veterinarians for the treatment of foot rot.

Control

No reliable method for controlling foot rot has been developed. The efficacy of vaccines has been disappointing and not cost-effective. There is no alternative control measure that is more effective than improving hygiene.

On some farms foot baths containing formalin or copper sulfate reduce the incidence of the disease.