When areas receive large amounts of rain, pastures are muddy, soggy, and standing in water. These conditions can increase the likelihood of “foot rot” in grazing cattle. Mechanical injury, cuts, bruises, puncture wounds or severe abrasions of the foot will damage the skin in the interdigital (between the toes) area and predispose an animal to infectious agents. Fusobacterium necrophorum is the bacterium most often isolated from infected feet.
Lameness is usually the first sign of an infected animal, varying from hardly noticeable to severe. Lameness is typically followed by reddening of the interdigital tissue and swelling of the foot, causing spreading of the toes. One or more feet may be affected simultaneously. Spreading of the dewclaws due to swelling is a classic sign of foot rot.
Treatment of foot rot is usually successful particularly when diagnosed early. The interdigital tissue should be cleaned and disinfected. Most cases respond readily to systemic antimicrobial therapy, administered the first days of diagnosis. If treatment is not initiated until later in the process, multiple treatments may be necessary. Visit with your veterinarian to determine the best antibiotic treatment for your cattle that have become infected with foot rot.
Prevention and control of foot rot begins with management of the environment. Management practices that help reduce interdigital trauma will help decrease the incidence of foot rot. Important preventative measures include a well-balanced mineral nutrition program and minimized exposure to conditions that can cause skin or hoof injury.
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