Toe Ulcer
click on images for detail

Description

A toe ulcer is a defect in the white line at the apex of the sole in ADULT cattle (See anatomy).

Lameness is not noticeable in the early stages of this disease. However, discomfort gradually develops and when it does the animal tends to carry the affected foot further forward than is normal. (click image)

The lesion varies in appearance from a slight discoloration with blood or serum (See anatomy) (click image) at left to a prolapse of the sensitive laminae through the sole.(click image) at below right.

The condition is similar to, and may be confused with, toe abscess which affects yearling steers. Once the exposed tissues become infected, acute lameness can result.

Cause

Although it has not been established experimentally, there is circumstantial evidence to suggest that rotation or sinking of the digit is connected to the appearance of toe ulcers.

The condition is not apparent until several months after an insult.

Toe ulcers are probably best referred to as a "laminitis-like" condition.

This is a well-known henomenon affecting horses.

(click image) at left to see how this phenomenon may be brought about.

In one of our experiments, 200 steers were maintained on a hay diet until 14 months of age. They were then placed on a high energy diet and experienced "compensatory gain."

When the animals were slaughtered, slight rotation of the digit was observed in many, but not all, of the animals. This suggests that very sudden changes in diet may cause congestion in the apex of the toe.

Treatment

Treatment of advanced lesions is not cost-effective as the claw can never return to normal.

Treatment of mild cases may prolong the functional life of the animal to a limited extent.

If surgical treatment is undertaken, it should only be attempted by a veterinarian using a regional anesthetic.

The procedure would consist of removing the tip of the claw with the bone inside and covering with acrylic.

Control

It is unlikely that mild cases of this condition will be detected unless the herd is trimmed regularly by a knowledgeable claw trimmer. One or two cases may not be significant.

Claw trimming or shoeing may help mild cases. Paring the wound to establish good drainage should help.

Topical dressing with antibiotic and the application of a waterproof bandage is an essential part of any attempted treatment.

However, if this lesion is found frequently, sub-clinical laminitis must be suspected and investigations of the cause of that condition started.