Lameness originating in the hoof in cattle

Digital Dermatitis
- Pathogenesis: Caused by a synergistic group of bacteria (notably Treponema spp.) invading skin compromised by moisture, chemicals, or mechanical irritation.
- Diagnosis: Classified as active (painful, bright red, ulcerative) or chronic (gray-black, hyperkeratotic, less painful).
- Management: Prevention focuses on hygiene and regular foot baths (copper sulfate or formalin); treatment involves topical tetracycline-based antimicrobials.
Foot Rot
- Pathogenesis: Sporadic infection of soft tissues by gram-negative anaerobes (e.g., Fusobacterium necrophorum) entering through a breach in the interdigital skin.
- Diagnosis: Recognized by sudden onset of lameness and symmetrical swelling above the hoof.
- Management: Prevention aims to avoid mechanical skin damage; treatment requires systemic antimicrobials.
Heel Horn Erosion & Interdigital Dermatitis
- Pathogenesis: Dichelobacter nodosus invades horn/skin damaged by wet, dirty environments.
- Diagnosis: Characterized by V-shaped grooves in the heel horn; typically does not cause lameness unless it reaches the corium.

Sole Hemorrhages & Sole Ulcers
- Pathogenesis: Result from pressure of the third phalanx (P3) on the corium due to mechanical, hormonal, or metabolic changes; hemorrhages are precursors to ulcers.
- Diagnosis: Ulcers are recognized by protrusion of the corium, often in the lateral hoof of the rear legs.
- Management: Focuses on minimizing standing time and using hoof blocks to transfer weight to the sound hoof.
White Line Disease
- Pathogenesis: Shearing forces at the white line (the weakest horn) lead to separation and bacterial entry.
- Management: Prevention through optimal flooring and cattle handling; treatment involves removing loose horn and applying blocks.
Thin Soles
- Pathogenesis: Caused by excessive wear (abrasive surfaces) or overtrimming.
- Diagnosis: Sole feels flexible; dorsal wall length typically under 7.5 cm (3 inches).
Toe Ulcers & Toe Necrosis
- Pathogenesis: Sequelae of thin soles; bacterial invasion leads to widespread corium and P3 damage.

Corkscrew Claw
- Pathogenesis: Rotation and bone remodeling of P3 due to excessive rotational forces during ligament laxity.
- Management: Requires frequent trimming (every 3 months) and excessive modeling to manage abnormal growth.
Fissures (Horizontal, Vertical, Axial)
- Pathogenesis: Often metabolic (horizontal) or environmental/mineral-related (vertical).
- Management: Most do not warrant treatment unless they reach the corium or coronary band.
Interdigital Hyperplasia
- Pathogenesis: Growth of fibrous tissue caused by chronic irritation from hygiene or other infectious lesions.

Deep Digital Sepsis
- Pathogenesis: Severe sequela to foot rot, sole ulcers, or white line disease where infection reaches the joint, deep flexor tendon, or navicular bursa.
- Diagnosis: Characterized by asymmetrical swelling and non-weightbearing lameness.
- Treatment: Requires aggressive intervention, such as surgery (amputation or arthrodesis) or euthanasia.