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Fracture Recovery
Immobilization times vary due to fracture configuration, age, and disposition of the animal. Young calves may heal a fracture within 3 weeks, whereas adult cattle with comminuted tibial fractures may require 10 weeks to heal. Radiographic evidence of fracture healing may not be evident at the time of splint removal. A guideline to follow is to remove the splint if the limb feels stable and there is evidence some callus is being formed radiographically. Some form of continued splintage of the limb may be considered to lend support as active mineralization takes place. Weight transfer to the limb seems to increase mineralization of the callus, and within two weeks of removal, radiographic mineralization will be readily apparent. Activity after removal should be restricted for four to six weeks. Further time may be needed to completely rehabilitate the leg.
Hoof Trimming for Beef Cattle
Hoof trimming services are a great practice builder. Much of the literature available discusses hoof trimming in dairy cows, but the same basic principles can be applied to beef cattle as well. The Dutch five‐step hoof trimming method is a good protocol to follow; however, any method of hoof trimming will certainly do as long as the animal has an even weight‐bearing surface with proper hoof angles to ensure balance and symmetry of the hooves.
Most beef cattle presented for hoof trimming have grossly overgrown hooves, often due to issues with subclinical acidosis and multiple events of subclinical laminitis during their development. After restraint of the individual, either in a hoof‐trimming chute or on a tilt table, the animal's hooves should be cleared of any excess organic debris. Evaluate the length and angulation of the hoof and identify the amount of wall and sole to be removed (Figure 16.31).
Figure 16.31 Trimming the overgrown claw resulting from chronic subclinical laminitis.
This process is almost automatic for the seasoned trimmer; less experienced practitioners should take their time and assess all four hooves before beginning the process. Starting with the front hooves, use hoof nippers on the lateral claw to shorten the toe to 3.25–3.5 inches (Figure 16.32).
Figure 16.32 First step in trimming of the hoof is shortening the claw to an acceptable length.
Proceed to trim the sole, leaving approximately 0.25 inches of sole; when the white line is apparent, you have removed enough sole. As sole is removed, make sure that the remaining sole surface is level and even, front to back. Next, the medial claw is shortened, and the solar surface is trimmed to match the lateral claw. When complete, both toes should be evaluated with a flat surface (a small board works well) to ensure that both hooves are level [21] (Figure 16.33).
Figure 16.33 Completed trimming of a grossly overgrown hoof.
Lastly, the sole should be modeled, scooping the axial portion of the claw to create a dish‐like effect on the sole, which reduces the opportunity for mud or manure to build up between the toes and gives a more natural appearance to the hoof. After the claws have been properly shaped, address any solar defects and questionable wall areas.
Once the front hooves have been taken care of, the rear claws can be assessed and approached in reverse order, starting with the medial claw. Completion of the procedure should be followed by overall visualization of all four hooves, paying particular attention to the interdigital space. If any evidence of disease is observed in this region, it should be addressed before removing the animal from restraints. The animal should also be examined as it leaves the trimming area to ensure no lameness has developed.
Summary
Lameness evaluation and treatment can be a very rewarding portion of beef cattle practice. Economics sometimes play a role in what services can be provided, and the majority of patients may be limited to the economically valuable herd sires. At the end of the day, we have the opportunity to advance diagnostics and provide treatment options that will fit any scale of production, we just have to get past the mindset that it is “just a cow.”
References
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