Observation

Foot Rot is a smelly infection of the foot, which generally occurs high between the claw and toes. It results mainly from an infection caused by the bacterium fusiformis necrophorus. This organism may build up in barnyards, exercise lots, mud holes, and pastures. Cattle with foot rot usually show lameness on one leg only. The foot swells above the coronet and the toes spread cracks and fissures develop in the interdigital spuces. There is a characteristic foul smelling discharge at these fissures. If left untreated, the infection can progress into the joint space or tendon sheath producing permanent damage. In the past 10 years, digital dermatitis has developed as a serious problem in several dairy regions in North America. There are several scientific and common names to characterize the disease. They are heel warts, hairy foot warts, strawberry foot disease, raspberry heel, digital papillomatosis, and Mortellaro disease. Affected animals have pronounced lameness and spend excessive time lying down. First-calf heifers are often affected, and to a greater degree in the hind feet. There is little to no digital swelling with this disease.

Cause:
The animals most vulnerable to this bacterial contamination are those in a state of acidosis (excess of fast sugars, metabolic Type no.1), those in a state of ruminal instability (metabolic Type no. 9) with an excess of fine fibre or a deficiency in long structural fibre (Type no. 2). These animals develop inflammation much more rapidly than the well-balanced cows and this makes them vulnerable to secondary infections.

Treatment

DRY HAY ?

First stage: inflammatory FOOT1SOL with SEPTISOL in the morning, FLAMESOL in the evening for 3 days, then FOOT2SOLonce, and DRAINSOL for 3 milkings. Repeat once a month until symptoms have disappeared. Correct the chronic inflammatory cause.

Second stage: infectious FOOT1SOL with SEPTISOL morning and evening for 3 days, then FOOT2SOL once only. WARTSOL +VIRALSOL, the next day, once; then DRAINSOL for 3 milkings. Wait 2 to 3 weeks and repeat until symptoms have disappeared. Correct the chronic inflammatory cause. There may be cases where the illness is very resistant, especially in cows with damaged hooves. Ask for our advice…