An abattoir study of the prevalence of foot lesions and claw measurements in water buffalo in Egypt.

BACKGROUND: Lameness has been associated with compromised animal welfare and reduced productivity in dairy cattle herds worldwide. However, little is known about the prevalence of claw lesions in the dairy buffalo population in Egypt. Furthermore, the optimum measurements for claw trimming in buffalo are unknown. A cross-sectional cadaver study was conducted where 135 pair buffalo hind feet were collected from 4 slaughterhouses and examined for the presence of claw lesions. The proportion and associated 95% confidence interval (CI) of each type of lesion were calculated. A separate set of healthy claws (n = 26) underwent ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT). The agreement between US and CT measurements was assessed using Passing-Bablok regression and intraclass correlation coefficient. The CT measurements were used to calculate trimming recommendations. RESULTS: At least one lesion was identified in 242 claws (89.6%, 95% CI = 85.4-93.0). In healthy claws, poor to moderate agreement was identified between US and CT measurements which could be due a sample size of the study. The average ± standard deviation (SD) minimum recommended external wall length of the lateral and medial claws in heifers was 7.1 ± 0.36 cm and 7.5 ± 0.35 cm, respectively. The average ± SD minimum recommended external wall length in buffaloes over five years of age was 8.2 ± 0.27 cm and 8.4 ± 0.39 cm for the lateral and medial claws, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study found a high prevalence of claw lesions in buffalo in Egypt, the clinical significance of which requires further elucidation. Recommended measurements will help guide claw trimming in buffalo to minimise lesions.

Predictive factors for foot pain in the adult population.

BACKGROUND: Foot pain has been associated to factors like: fat, body mass index, age increased, female gender and the presence of pathologies. Although evidence is limited. The purpose is to determine the predictive factors for foot pain in the adult population. METHODS: From January to December 2021, 457 patients were > 18 years, gave signed informed consent to take part to this cross sectional study. All completed demographic data and various questionnaires related to pain: Foot Function Index, EuroQoL-5D and Visual Analogue Scale (foot pain). Anthropometric measurements were obtained using McPoil platform and foot posture was assessed by the Foot Posture Index (FPI). To determine whether a volume change is a predictive factor for foot pain, a parameter was established: the volumetric index for footwear (VIF). Factors linked to the presence of pain, including the considered VIF variables, were analyzed through multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among the study population, 40.7% were male and 59.3% female. The mean age of 39.06 years and a body mass index of 25.58 Kg/cm2. The logistic regression model had a classification capability of 72.4%, a sensitivity of 72.3% and a specificity of 73%, in which, the predictors considered were the variables found to have a significant association with FFI-pain > 45 points,, showed that younger women, with a higher BMI, higher values of right FPI (pronation), poorer overall perceived health and with problems in walking were more likely to experience foot pain. CONCLUSION: Predictive factors for foot pain in the adult population include gender, age, Body Mass Index, FPI on the right foot, perceived health and mobility. Clinical implication, the presented measure aids physicians in assessing their patients´ foot pain likelihood.

Routine hoof-trimming data provides insight into the occurrence of claw lesions in Holstein herds in the central region of South Africa.

Claw lesions in dairy cows contribute significantly to lameness, causing distress and discomfort for affected cows and raising welfare concerns. Despite increased awareness, lameness incidence continues to rise. Defining and recording claw traits are particularly problematic. In South Africa (SA), claw data is limited to paper-based records kept by private hoof trimmers. This research analysed claw-trimming data from five dairy farms over 6 years to examine the occurrence and recording of claw lesions in SA Holstein cattle. Lesion identification followed the Claw Lesion Identification in Dairy Cattle brochure. Among the recorded lesions, digital dermatitis (DD) had the highest prevalence (64.02%), followed by sole ulcers (SU; 8.59%), white line disease (WLD; 6.27%), and sole haemorrhage (SH; 4.28%), and most lesions occurred in the rear feet. Chi-square tests and correspondence analysis (CA) were employed to explore the relationships between lesions, feet, and housing. Results indicated that the prevalence of SU and SH showed high similarity for foot and lesion association, and that these were more highly associated with the rear feet. Additionally, the prevalence of DD and interdigital phlegmon were strongly associated, and closely associated with SU, and all these lesions were associated with both dirt lot and free-stall housing systems. CA further confirmed a close association between WLD and SH, and the prevalence of these lesions in the combination housing system. Results of this study highlight the complexity of lesion data and that specific associations between lesions could lead to simplifying the recording thereof. Consolidating the most informative claw lesions into categories will aid in the practical prevention, management, and treatment of lameness on-farm.

Clinical and Diagnostic Characteristics of Calcaneal Apophysitis: A Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal apophysitis is an overuse injury in pediatric patients that causes heel pain and reduction in function. The aim of this study is to explore this condition and offer medical insight into its presentation and symptomatology, along with current treatment options. METHODS: We explored PubMed/Medline for studies involving calcaneal apophysitis in pediatric patients. The search included all articles published from database inception until June 1, 2021. We only included articles published in English. Clinical information and demographics extracted from the reported studies were analyzed and assessed. RESULTS: Only 28 studies met our criteria, with a total of 1,362 cases. Of the cases reported, 973 affected boys (71.4%). Presentation was bilateral in 589 cases (43.2%) and unilateral in 433 cases (31.8%). Radiographic imaging was used for the diagnosis of 358 cases (26.3%). All reported treatment modalities were conservative, and these included physical therapy and rest, kinesiotherapy and taping, and orthotic devices. A total of 733 cases (53.7%) reported improved outcomes,32 cases (2.3%) reported no improvement, and the remainder of cases did not report prognostic outcomes (44%). CONCLUSIONS: Calcaneal apophysitis is an overuse disease commonly found in the pediatric population. Educating parents and coaches with regard to its symptomatology, etiology, and treatment is essential to diagnose the condition earlier and provide better outcomes.

Investigating the effect of prophylactic claw trimming on the interval between calving and first observed elevated locomotion score in pasture-based dairy cows.

AIMS: To evaluate, in a pasture-based dairy herd, the response to a three-time point hoof trimming regime on lameness incidence and time from calving to observation of an elevated locomotion score (LS). METHODS: This study was conducted on a 940-cow spring-calving herd in New Zealand's North Island between May 2018 and May 2019. Cows (n = 250) were randomly allocated to the hoof trimming group, with the remainder assigned to the non-trim cohort. One trained professional hoof trimmer used the five-step Dutch method to trim the hind feet of the trimming group. Throughout the subsequent production season, the whole herd was locomotion-scored fortnightly using the 4-point (0-3) Dairy NZ lameness score. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to assess the univariable effect of trimming on the interval between calving and first LS of ≥ 2 and first LS ≥ 1. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to further evaluate the effect of trimming on time to elevated LS. RESULTS: Mean lameness (LS ≥ 2) prevalence was 2.6%, with 30% of cows having ≥ 4 observations during the study period when at least one LS was ≥ 2. For LS ≥ 1, mean prevalence was 40%, with 98.6% of cows having ≥ 4 observations during the study period when at least one LS was ≥ 1 during lactation. Hoof trimming had no apparent effect on the incidence of clinical lameness (LS ≥ 2) (trimmed vs. non-trimmed: 33.2% vs. 28.8%, respectively), but for LS ≥ 1, there was a small decrease in the incidence of LS ≥ 1 (trimmed vs. non-trimmed: 96.9% vs. 99.3%, respectively). The hazard of a cow having a first observed LS ≥ 2 in the control group was 0.87 (95% CI = 0.66-1.14) times that of the trimmed group; however, the hazard of a cow having a first LS ≥ 1 was 1.60 (95% CI = 1.37-1.88) times higher in the control than in the trimmed group. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: On this farm, prophylactic hoof trimming had no clinically relevant impact on the incidence of clinical lameness and was not associated with clinically beneficial reductions in time to first observed LS ≥ 2. This may be because claw horn imbalance was not pronounced on this farm, with 53% of cows needing no trim on either hind limb on the first trimming occasion. Further research on the response to prophylactic trimming in pasture-based dairy cattle is required.

Prevalence and risk factors for laminitis within the Norwegian pony breed Nordlandshest/Lyngshest.

BACKGROUND: Laminitis is a systemic condition resulting in debilitating pain and structural changes within the feet, and hence has major welfare implications. Causes include endocrine and systemic inflammatory conditions. Ponies are frequently affected, and observations in the field suggest that occurrence of laminitis is also common in Norwegian breeds. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for laminitis within the Norwegian pony breed Nordlandshest/Lyngshest. RESULTS: The study was a cross-sectional study based on questionnaires sent to members of the Norwegian Nordlandshest/Lyngshest breed association. Questionnaires were received for 504 animals, of which 464 records were eligible and included in analyses. The population comprised 71 stallions, 156 geldings, and 237 mares, with an age between 1 and 40 years (median and interquartile ranges: 12 (6-18) years). The estimated 3-year period prevalence of laminitis was 8.4% (95% confidence interval (CI95): 6.0-11.3%), whereas lifetime prevalence was 12.5% (CI95: 9.6-15.9%). Mares had a significantly higher period- and lifetime prevalence of laminitis than male horses, and horses 10 years and older had a significantly higher prevalence than younger horses. The lifetime prevalence of laminitis was 3.2% in horses 9 years and younger, whereas from 17.3-20.5% in older horses. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age, sex, and regional adiposity as significantly (P < 0.05) associated with the 3-year period outcome of laminitis: Horses older than 9 years had a three-fold increase in the likelihood of having laminitis compared to the younger horses (Odds Ratio (OR)10-14 years = 3.37 (CI95 = 1.19-9.50), OR15-19 years = 3.06 (CI95 = 1.04-9.05), and OR>20 years = 2.70 (CI95 = 0.90-8.02). Mares were more than twice as likely (OR = 2.44 (CI95 = 1.17-5.12) to have laminitis compared to male horses, and horses with regional adiposity had increased odds (OR = 2.35 (CI95 = 1.15-4.82) of laminitis compared to horses without regional adiposity. CONCLUSIONS: Laminitis appears to be a considerable welfare issue in the Norwegian pony breed Nordlandshest/Lyngshest. The identified risk factors age, sex, and regional adiposity highlight the need for improved owner education and awareness of strategies to reduce laminitis risk.

[Risk factors for infectious foot -disorders on two Swiss cattle -mountain pastures]. / Risikofaktoren für infektiöse Zehen­erkrankungen auf zwei Schweizer ­Rinderalpen.

INTRODUCTION: In the present study, risk groups for infectious foot disorders were identified on two large Swiss cattle mountain pastures by analyzing animal and treatment data of a total of 3256 animals of the bovine species. Both mountain pastures were part of the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) consultancy project «Healthy animals, attractive herdsmen positions and less medication on large cattle mountain pastures¼. The project was launched in 2020 following the increased incidence of lameness on these mountain pastures. Bacteriological and histological analyses were to provide information as to whether the most common foot disorder was interdigital phlegmon (IP) or whether digital dermatitis also occurred. Further, the temporal distribution of cases over the mountain pasture season and the influence of mountain pasture and year were investigated and interpreted for the project years 2020 to 2022, and treatment incidences were compared between years. Multiple treatment cycles in the same individual were classified into persistent infections and new infections. Nineteen of 394 first-treated cattle were clinically examined, 12 of them were additionally sampled for bacteriological and histological analyses. All cases examined showed, both clinically and following laboratory analyses, typical characteristics for IP. In contrast, there was no specific evidence for the presence of digital dermatitis. No persistent infections occurred during treatment with benzylpenicillin. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified > 365-730-day-old cattle (odds ratio OR 8,29), as well as inseminated (OR 5,30) and non-inseminated (OR 7,85) heifers as risk groups for the disease studied (p < 0,05). Association with the oestrus activity of non-inseminated heifers and a generally higher locomotor activity in heifers compared to cows - with a correspondingly increased risk of injury - is conceivable. Meat breeds had a reduced risk compared to dairy breeds (OR 0,29). Breed differences in behavior and/or the effectiveness of the local immune response might have an impact. Knowing about these risk groups can be put to use in the future when selecting animals to be taken to the mountain pastures and/or when planning pasture management in order to reduce the prevalence of infectious foot disorders and thereby the use of antibiotics.

INTRODUCTION: Dans la présente étude, nous avons identifié, grâce à l'analyse des données concernant les animaux et les traitements d'un total de 3256 animaux de l'espèce bovine, des groupes à risque pour les maladies infectieuses des onglons sur deux grands alpages bovins en Suisse. Les deux alpages faisaient partie du BLW-projet de conseil «Animaux sains, postes de bergers attractifs et moins de médicaments sur les grands alpages bovins¼. Le projet a débuté en 2020 suite à l'accumulation de problèmes de boiteries sur ces alpages. Des analyses bactériologiques et histologiques devaient fournir des indications afin de savoir si la maladie des onglons majoritaire était le phlegmon interdigité (PI) ou si la dermatite digitale était également présente. La répartition temporelle des cas de maladies durant la saison d'estivage et l'influence de l'alpage et de l'année pour les années de projet 2020 à 2022 ont été évaluées et interprétées, et les incidences des traitements comparées entre les années. Les cycles de traitement multiples chez le même individu ont été répartis en deux groupes: les infections persistantes et les nouvelles infections. Dix-neuf des 394 bovins primo-traités ont été évalués cliniquement. Douze de ces 19 animaux ont également été soumis à un échantillonnage bactériologique et histologique. Tous les cas étudiés présentaient, aussi bien cliniquement que suite à l'analyse technique en laboratoire, les caractéristiques typiques d'un PI. Par contre, il n'y a pas eu d'indication quant à la présence de dermatite digitale. Aucune infection persistante n'a été constatée après traitement avec de la Benzylpénicilline. Les bovins âgés > 365­730 jours (OR 8.29), ainsi que les génisses inséminées (odds ratio OR 5.30) et non inséminées (OR 7.85) ont été identifiés, suite à une analyse de régression logistique multivariée, comme faisant partie de groupes à risque pour la maladie étudiée (p < 0.05). Un lien avec l'activité en période de chaleurs des génisses non inséminées et une activité locomotrice généralement plus intensive des génisses par rapport aux vaches ­ avec par conséquent un risque accru de blessures ­ est concevable. Le risque était réduit pour les races à viande par rapport aux races laitières (OR 0.29). Des différences de comportement et/ou d'efficacité de l'immunité locale entre les races pourraient avoir une influence. Le fait de connaître ces groupes à risque pourrait être mis à profit à l'avenir lors de la sélection des animaux à monter à l'alpage et/ou lors de la planification de la gestion des prairies, afin de diminuer la prévalence des maladies infectieuses des onglons et ainsi l'utilisation d'antibiotiques.

Cost of lameness in dairy herds: An integrated bioeconomic modeling approach.

Foot disorders are costly health disorders in dairy farms, and their prevalence is related to several factors such as breed, nutrition, and farmer's management strategy. Very few modeling approaches have considered the dynamics of foot disorders and their interaction with farm management strategies within a holistic farm simulation model. The aim of this study was to estimate the cost of foot disorders in dairy herds by simulating strategies for managing lameness. A dynamic and stochastic simulation model (DairyHealthSim) was used to simulate the herd dynamics, reproduction management, and health events. A specific module was built for lameness and related herd-level management strategies. Foot disorder occurrences were simulated with a base risk for each etiology [digital dermatitis (DD), interdigital dermatitis, interdigital phlegmon, sole ulcer (SU), white line disease (WLD)]. Two state machines were implemented in the model: the first was related to the disease-induced lameness score (from 1 to 5), and the second concerned DD-state transitions. A total of 880 simulations were run to represent the combination of the following 5 scenarios: (1) housing (concrete vs. textured), (2) hygiene (2 different scraping frequencies), (3) the existence of preventive trimming, (4) different thresholds of DD prevalence detected and from which a collective footbath is applied to treat DD, and (5) farmer's ability to detect lameness (detection rate). Housing, hygiene, and trimming scenarios were associated with risk factors applied for each foot disorder etiologies. The footbath and lameness detection scenarios both determined the treatment setup and the policy of herd observance. The economic evaluation outcome was the gross margin per year. A linear regression model was run to estimate the cost per lame cow (lameness score ≥3), per case of DD and per week of a cow's medium lameness duration. The bioeconomic model reproduced a lameness prevalence varying from 26 to 98% depending on the management scenario, demonstrating a high capacity of the model to represent the diversity of the field situations. Digital dermatitis represented half of the total lameness cases, followed by interdigital dermatitis (28%), SU (19%), WLD (13%), and interdigital phlegmon (4%). The housing scenarios dramatically influenced the prevalence of SU and WLD, whereas scraping frequency and threshold for footbath application mainly determined the presence of DD. Interestingly, the results showed that preventive trimming allowed a better reduction in lameness prevalence than spending time on early detection. Scraping frequency was highly associated with DD occurrence, especially with a textured floor. The regression showed that costs were homogeneous (i.e., did not change with lameness prevalence; marginal cost equals average cost). A lame cow and a DD-affected cow cost €307.50 ± 8.40 (SD) and €391.80 ± 10.0 per year on average, respectively. The results also showed a cost of €12.10 ± 0.36 per week-cow lameness. The present estimation is the first to account for interactions between etiologies and for the complex DD dynamics with all the M-stage transitions, bringing a high level of accuracy to the results.

The prevalence of foot health problems in people living with a rheumatic condition: a cross-sectional observational epidemiological study.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of foot health problems in people living with any rheumatic condition and explore potential associations with exposure variables. A cross-sectional observational epidemiological design was applied. The participants were recruited from one regional patient association in southwest Finland. The data were collected in January-February 2019 and included the Self-reported Foot Health Assessment Instrument (S-FHAI) and demographic questions. In total, 495 responses were obtained. Overall, participants had many foot problems. The point prevalence of self-reported foot problems was 99 per 100 people living with a rheumatic condition. The most prevalent problems were foot pain (73%), dry soles (68%), thickened toenails (58%) and cold feet (57%). Lower educational attainment, increased amount of daily standing and accessing medical or nursing care for foot problems were associated with poorer foot health. The results reveal a high frequency of foot pain among people with rheumatic conditions. The study highlighted the importance of person-centred care and the biological focus that underpins and impacts foot health (what we understand, what we do, and our health-seeking behaviour). Interventions to promote biopsychosocial approaches to personalised foot care could advance people's readiness, knowledge and skill to care for their own feet.

Predictors of laminitis development in a cohort of nonlaminitic ponies.

BACKGROUND: Quantifying risk factors for laminitis development requires improvement. OBJECTIVES: To identify the most useful physical examination, metabolic and management factors to predict laminitis development in client-owned, nonlaminitic ponies. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Physical examination, metabolic and management data were collected from a pony cohort 6 monthly for up to 4 years. Ponies were monitored for the development of laminitis. Metabolic data included basal plasma concentrations of ACTH ([ACTH]), adiponectin ([adiponectin]), triglycerides and glucose. Serum insulin concentrations ([insulin]) were measured in the unfasted basal state ([insulin]T0) and 60 minutes ([insulin]T60) after administration of corn syrup (0.3ml/kg). Separate multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models were developed for physical, management/signalment and metabolic data and later combined into two final models. Low-, medium- and high-laminitis risk categories were defined based on basal or T60 [insulin]. RESULTS: Overall, 374 ponies (age 5-32 years) and 891 pony-years were included in the main analysis. Laminitis incidence (95% confidence interval (CI)) was 4.8 (3.5-6.5) cases/100 pony-years. Laminitis development was associated with numerous univariable factors. Significant (P < .05) factors retained in the final multivariable models included [insulin]T0, [insulin]T60, [adiponectin] and divergent hoof growth. [ACTH] was not independently associated with laminitis. Based on [Insulin]T0, low- (<21.6 µIU/ml), medium- (21.6-45.2 µIU/ml) and high-risk (>45.2 µIU/ml) categories encompassed 70, 20 and 10% of the population and had estimated 4-year laminitis incidences (95%CI) of 6 (2-9)%, 22 (10-33)% and 69 (48-82)% respectively. Based on [Insulin]T60 the low- (<53.4 µIU/ml), medium- (53.4-153 µIU/ml) and high-risk (≥153 µIU/ml) categories comprised 60, 30 and 10% of the population and had estimated 4-year laminitis incidences (95%CI) of 3 (0-6)%, 20 (10-29)% and 73 (52-84)% respectively. MAIN LIMITATIONS: Results may not apply to different insulin assays, geographical regions, breeds or management types. CONCLUSIONS: [Insulin]T0 or [insulin]T60 best quantify the risk of future laminitis development in nonlaminitic ponies.

An Estimation of Lameness in Sable Island Horses Using Radiographic Evaluation of the Distal Phalanx and Hoof Capsule.

Laminitis is a painful condition that causes lameness in horses. However, monitoring this condition in feral horses is logistically difficult. Laminitis can be detected postmortem, as inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the hoof changes the relative location of the bony structures within the hoof capsule. Thus, evaluation of cadavers may be used to estimate laminitis prevalence in feral populations of horses. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of laminitis in feral horses inhabiting the Sable Island National Park Reserve, Canada, using radiographic imagery on the hooves of naturally deceased horses. Radiographic indicators evaluated included coronary band extensor process distance (CE), capsular rotation (CR), palmar angle (PA), ratio of the dorsal hoof wall thickness to the length of the distal phalanx (DHWT:P3) and sole depth (SLD). Each value measured indicated the following prevalence of laminitis: CE 0% (97.5% Confidence Interval (CI) 0-4.51%), 8.75% CR (95%CI 3.59-17.2%), PA 25% (95% CI 15.99-35.94%), DHWT:P3 6.25% (95%CI 2.06-14.0%) and 65% SLD (95% CI 53.52-75.33%). The majority of indices measured for laminitis were low. These findings suggest that laminitis is fairly infrequent in the Sable Island horses evaluated in this study.

Lesions found at foot trimming of dairy goats: Baseline data for comparing lesions and locomotion scoring.

Data on the foot lesions of housed dairy goats, especially those that are not lame, is sparse. In this study, visits were made to four farms for whole herd locomotion scoring after milking and to observe routine foot trimming. During trimming, the amount of trimming required for each hoof was recorded, alongside the presence of lesions. The process was repeated at the next routine foot trim on three of the four farms (on Farm 1 whole herd locomotion scoring after milking was not feasible). Across both visits, 3445 locomotion scores were recorded, alongside 3850 trimming and lesion records. There were large differences between farms and visits in the proportion of lame goats (6.7 to 25.5%) and in the proportion of goats which needed a substantial trim of all four feet (15.1-33.1%). Hoof lesions were observed in 65.5% of trimmed goats. We defined lesions by their site and presence of separation and/or granuloma, with white line separation being the most commonly recorded lesion (41.5% of goats). On all visits on the three farms which were locomotion scored, the number of goats recorded as lame was lower than the number observed with white line lesions, but the relative proportion ranged from 17% to 95.4%. Separations were much more common than granulomas, as granulomas were usually accompanied by separation. Toe lesions were much more likely to be associated with granulomas than white line lesions, with 91.5% of toe separations having granulomas but only 10.6% of white line separations. This study provides useful baseline data for comparing lesions and locomotion scoring between goat herds but also identifies areas where we need more data and more consensus.

Hoof lesions in partly housed pasture-based dairy cows.

Lameness is a symptom of a painful disorder affecting the limbs, which impacts dairy cow welfare and productivity. Lameness is primarily caused by hoof lesions. The prevalence of different lesion types can differ depending on environmental conditions and farm management practices. The aims of this observational study were to establish the cow-level and herd-level lesion prevalence during both housing and grazing periods in a partly housed, pasture-based system, establish the prevalence of lesions always associated with pain ("alarm" lesion), identify the lesions associated with a higher lameness score, determine relationships between lesions, and identify risk factors for digital dermatitis. On 98 farms during the grazing period and on 74 of the same farms during the housing period, every cow was lameness scored (0-3 lameness scoring scale), and the hind hooves of lame cows (score 2 and 3) were examined (maximum 20 cows per visit) and the prevalence of each lesion type recorded. To gather data on potential predictors for the risk factor analysis, a questionnaire with the farmer was conducted on lameness management practices and infrastructure measurements were taken at each visit. Cow-level data were also collected (e.g., parity, breed, milk yield, and so on). Noninfectious lesions were found to be more prevalent than infectious lesions in this system type. The most prevalent lesion types during both grazing and housing periods were white line separation, sole hemorrhages and overgrown claws; all remaining lesions had a cow-level prevalence of less than 15%. The cow-level prevalence of alarm lesions was 19% during the grazing period and 25% during the housing period; the most prevalent alarm lesion was sole ulcers during both periods. We found significantly more foreign bodies within the hoof sole (grazing = 14%, housing = 7%) and overgrown claws (grazing = 71%, housing = 55%) during the grazing period compared with the housing period. Cows with foul of the foot, sole ulcer, white line abscess, toe necrosis or an amputated claw had higher odds of being more severely lame, compared with mildly lame. The strongest correlation between lesions were between toe necrosis and digital dermatitis (r = 0.40), overgrown claws and corkscrew claws (r = 0.33), and interdigital hyperplasia and digital dermatitis (r = 0.31) at herd level. At the cow level, the strongest correlation was between overgrown claws and corkscrew claws (r = 0.27), and digital dermatitis and heel erosion (r = 0.22). The farmers' perception of the presence of digital dermatitis (and lameness) was significantly correlated with the actual presence of digital dermatitis recorded. Additional risk factors for the presence of digital dermatitis were cow track and verge width near the collecting yard, and stone presence on the cow tracks. Results from this study help further our understanding of the causes of lameness in partly housed, pasture-based dairy cows, and can be used to guide prevention and treatment protocols.

Comparison of claw horn disruption lesions in four dairy herds using two different trimming techniques: A case study.

Claw disorders are a major problem for health, welfare, and economy in dairy production. This retrospective observational study investigated the association between cow-level prevalence of claw horn disruptive lesions and two different trimming methods - the traditional Danish Method (DAM) and the White Line Atlas Method (WLAM). Trimming records from four herds in Denmark over a 4-year period were analysed. Within each herd, claw trimming was performed with the DAM for the first 2 years, and the WLAM for the next 2 years. The data comprised 3316 claw trimmings of 1027 cows with the WLAM and 3898 claw trimmings of 1080 cows with the DAM. The association between claw trimming method and claw lesions was determined using binominal logistic analysis. There were significant differences between trimming methods for sole haemorrhage (odds ratio = 0.44), sole ulcer (odds ratio = 0.42), and white line separation (odds ratio = 0.64), with a lower prevalence during the period of trimming with the WLAM. No significant difference between trimming methods could be found in the occurrence of white line abscess or double sole. The lower prevalence of claw horn disruption lesions found in this study when cows were trimmed with WLAM justifies and necessitates further experimental studies of claw trimming methods to validate these findings.

A case-control study regarding factors associated with digital dermatitis in Norwegian dairy herds.

BACKGROUND: Digital dermatitis (DD) is a contagious bovine foot disease causing painful lesions, lameness, and reduced animal welfare. Previous studies indicate a complex aetiology of the disease. The aim of this study was to compare DD negative and DD positive herds to identify factors associated with DD in Norwegian dairy herds by analysing data obtained in a questionnaire and data recorded in the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System (NDHRS). The questionnaire was e-mailed to the owners of all 380 herds recorded with DD in 2019 and to 1530 randomly selected herds with no recordings of DD. Altogether 559 dairy herds were included in the final study population, of which 113 was classified as DD positive (≥ one cow recorded with DD in NDHRS) and 446 as DD negative. When stratified by housing system, the ratio between DD positive and negative herds was 108/281 in free stalls and 5/165 in tie stalls. Multilevel logistic regression was used to model the association between potential risk factors and variables related to the detection and diagnosis of DD, and the outcome in the free-stall population. Geographical area (county) was included in the model as a random effect. RESULTS: In the final study population 108/113 (96%) of the DD positive herds were housed in free stalls versus 5/113 (4%) in tie stalls. The free-stall herds' DD status was associated with purchase of cattle during the last 5 years (baseline: 0 animals, OR = 2.30 for category 12-27 animals, OR = 4.34 for 28-52 animals, and OR = 5.39 for ≥ 53 animals). The DD status was also associated with claw trimming frequency (Baseline: 1 < 2/year, OR = 0.41 for category < 1/year, and OR = 4.09 for ≥ 3/year), whether the claw trimming was done by a certified professional trimmer or not (baseline: ≤ 90% of the cows, OR = 3.98 for category ≥ 90% of the cows), cleaning of feet in the chute before trimming (baseline: no cleaning, OR = 1.98 for category cleaning), and alley flooring (baseline: slatted floor, OR = 2.36 for category solid floor). CONCLUSIONS: Digital dermatitis was far more frequent in Norwegian dairy herds housed in free stalls versus those housed in tie stalls. In the free-stall herds purchase of cattle, increasing trimming frequency, use of certified professional trimmer, cleaning of the feet in the chute, and solid flooring in the alleys were associated with increased odds of recorded DD.

Association between a genetic index for lameness resistance and the incidence of claw horn lesions in Holstein cows.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the association between the lameness advantage genetic index and four outcomes: sole haemorrhage (SH), sole ulcers (SU), white line lesions (WL), and lameness during mobility scoring. METHODS: We enrolled 2352 Holstein cows from four predominantly housed dairy herds in the UK. Cows were mobility scored and foot lesions recorded at four time points from before calving to late lactation. Cows were genotyped and genetic indexes were assigned to each cow following national genetic evaluations. Lameness records and genetic indexes were matched for 2107 cows. Four separate multivariable logistic regression models, which included farm and parity as covariables, were used to quantify the association between the lameness advantage index and whether animals were affected by SH, SU, WL, or lameness. RESULTS: The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for one-point increases in the lameness advantage index were 0.79 (0.72-0.86), 0.68 (0.59-0.78), 0.94 (0.84-1.04), and 0.82 (0.74-0.91) for SH, SU, WL, and lameness, respectively. The same trends were present when the sire's lameness advantage index was evaluated in place of the animal's own, although the strength of this association was generally weaker. CONCLUSION: The lameness advantage index is associated with SH, SU, and lameness, therefore selection on the lameness advantage index could be considered in herds aiming to reduce lameness. Where genomic testing of heifers is not conducted, sire lameness advantage index may still be effective to reduce SH and SU incidence.

Social determinants of diabetes-related foot disease among older adults in New South Wales, Australia: evidence from a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes-related foot is the largest burden to the health sector compared to other diabetes-related complications in Australia, including New South Wales (NSW). Understanding of social determinants of diabetes-related foot disease has not been definitive in Australian studies. This study aimed to investigate the social determinants of diabetes-related foot disease in NSW. METHODOLOGY: The first wave of the 45 and Up Study survey data was linked with NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection, Emergency Department Data Collection, and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data resulting in 28,210 individuals with diabetes aged 45 years and older in NSW, Australia. Three outcome variables were used: diabetes-related foot disease (DFD), diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), and diabetic foot infection (DFI). They were classified as binary, and survey logistic regression was used to determine the association between each outcome measure and associated factors after adjusting for sampling weights. RESULTS: The prevalence of DFD, DFU and DFI were 10.8%, 5.4% and 5.2%, respectively, among people with diabetes. Multivariate analyses revealed that the common factors associated with DFD, DFU and DFI were older age (75 years or more), male, single status, background in English speaking countries, and coming from lower-income households (less than AUD 20,000 per year). Furthermore, common lifestyle and health factors associated with DFD, DFU, and DFI were low physical activity (< 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week), history of diabetes for over 15 years, and having cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that about 1 in 10 adults with diabetes aged 45 years and older in NSW reported DFD. Interventions, including the provision of related health services aimed at reducing all forms of DFD in NSW, are recommended to target older individuals with a long history of diabetes, and coming from lower-income households.

A proposed structural approach to improve cow-claw health on Dutch dairy farms.

Despite extensive research leading to an improved understanding of the risk factors and pathogenesis of infectious and non-infectious disorders, claw health has not structurally improved in recent decades. Several studies have shown that claw disorders harm milk production, fertility and longevity of the dairy cows and job satisfaction of the farmer. This is enough reason to structurally improve claw health on dairy farms. The focus should be on a rapid curative intervention when lameness occurs and above all the prevention of claw problems. Most claw disorder diagnoses are nowadays made during regular claw trimming by the professional trimmer or the dairy farmer. Registration of the detected disorders during claw trimming is not always done consistently, so the estimated prevalence (number of cows with a claw disorder) is in most cases an underestimation of the real prevalence. The quality of these records often makes it difficult for consultants to formulate appropriate claw health advice. To be able to give good advice on claw health, insight into the prevalence of the various hoof disorders on a farm is a key condition. However, good quality advice alone is not a guarantee for an improved claw health situation on a farm. Research has shown that in addition to high quality substantiated advice, the communication style between the consultant and the dairy farmer is essential for the interpretation and motivation of the dairy farmer to implement the advice. In this paper a 7-point plan is presented as a guidance for herd advisors who want to support dairy farmers to improve claw health.

[Prevalence of claw disorders in swiss cattle farms]. / Prävalenz von Klauenveränderungen in Schweizer Rindviehbetrieben.

INTRODUCTION: The project «Healthy claws - the foundation for the future¼ aims to establish a Swiss national claw health monitoring based on digital recordings by claw trimmers during claw trimming. To assess claw health on the participating farms, between-herd prevalence, within-herd prevalence and cow prevalence of all claw disorders based on the «ICAR Claw Health Atlas¼ were calculated during this study. Claw trimmers underwent an intensive training and examination in order to ensure data quality. To guarantee the representativity of the prevalences, only farm claw trimmings were considered, where ≥ 80 % of the cows in a herd were trimmed. The calculations were based on 7108 cows and 403 heifers from 238 farms, during the period from February 2020 to February 2021. At least one claw disorder was present in 99,2 % of the farms, with 49,6 % of the heifers and 77,7 % of the cows having at least one claw disorder. The high prevalence is seen as a result of all ICAR claw disorders being considered, whereas not all of them are painful and consequently not all of them cause lameness. The absence of lameness assessment limits the evaluation of existing herd problems. High between-herd and cow prevalences were observed for the following claw disorders: heel horn erosion (92,9 %/64,7 %), digital dermatitis (55,9 %/20,7 %), white line disease (81,5 %/17,7 %) and sole hemorrhage (66,4 %/11,6 %). Asymmetric claws, corkscrew claws, scissor claws, horn fissure, interdigital phlegmon, swelling of the coronet and/or bulb and toe necrosis had low prevalences. The proportion of cows treated with a hoof block (0,5 %) was comparatively small in regard of the cows suffering from ulcers (5,6 %) and white line abscesses (2,5 %). The median within-herd prevalence of digital dermatitis was 5,6 %, with a maximal within-herd prevalence of 87,5 %. Despite the contagious nature of digital dermatitis, no increase of between-herd and cow prevalence has been observed in the past ten years throughout Switzerland. Based on this data, the Swiss claw health situation can be monitored, compared over time and improved in the future.

INTRODUCTION: Le projet « Des onglons sains-de bon pied vers l'avenir ¼ vise à établir une surveillance nationale suisse de la santé des onglons basée sur des enregistrements numériques effectués par des ongleurs pendant le parage des onglons. Pour évaluer la santé des onglons dans les exploitations participantes, la prévalence entre les troupeaux, la prévalence au sein du troupeau et la prévalence chez les vaches de tous les troubles des onglons sur la base de l' « ICAR Claw Health Atlas ¼ ont été calculées au cours de cette étude. Les ongleurs ont subi une formation et un examen intensifs afin de garantir la qualité des données. Afin de garantir la représentativité des prévalences, seuls ont été considérés les parages d'exploitations où ≥ 80% des vaches du troupeau ont été parées. Les calculs ont été basés sur 7108 vaches et 403 génisses de 238 élevages, au cours de la période de février 2020 à février 2021. Au moins une lésion des onglons était présente dans 99,2 % des élevages, avec 49,6 % des génisses et 77,7 % des vaches présentant au moins une lésion. La prévalence élevée est considérée comme le résultat de toutes les lésions selon ICAR, alors que toutes ne sont pas douloureuses et par conséquent ne provoquent pas toute de boiterie. L'absence d'évaluation de la boiterie limite l'évaluation des problèmes de troupeau existants. Des prévalences élevées entre les troupeaux et les vaches ont été observées pour les lésions des onglons suivantes : érosion de la corne du talon (92,9%/64,7%), dermatite digitale (55,9%/20,7%), maladie de la ligne blanche (81,5 %/17,7%) et hémorragie de la sole (66,4%/11,6%). Les onglons asymétriques, les onglons en tire-bouchon, les onglons en ciseaux, la fissure de la corne, le phlegmon interdigital, le gonflement de la couronne et/ou la nécrose de la pince avaient de faibles prévalences. La proportion de vaches traitées avec un sabot (0,5 %) était comparativement faible par rapport aux vaches souffrant d'ulcères (5,6%) et d'abcès de la ligne blanche (2,5%). La prévalence médiane intra-troupeau de dermatite digitale était de 5,6%, avec une prévalence intra-troupeau maximale de 87,5%. Malgré le caractère contagieux de la dermatite digitale, aucune augmentation de la prévalence entre troupeaux et vaches n'a été observée au cours des dix dernières années dans toute la Suisse. Sur la base de ces données, la situation sanitaire des onglons en Suisse peut être surveillée, comparée dans le temps et améliorée à l'avenir.

Status of claw recordings and claw health in Danish dairy cattle from 2013 to 2017.

Since 2009, Danish claw trimmers have been able to record claw health digitally during trimming. The records are owned by the farmer and can be used locally in the herd and on a large scale by breeding organisations to improve claw health. The objective of this study was to describe data on claw recording routines and describe the prevalence of digital dermatitis (DD), interdigital hyperplasia (IH), sole ulcer (SU) and white line abscess (WLA) recorded by claw trimmers (TrimmerID) at trimming. More than 5.18 million records of cows with claw recordings and 2.75 million records of claw trimming with 2.4 million concurrent claw diseases from 62 TrimmerIDs from 705,803 animals from 1635 herds over a 5-year period from 2013 to 2017 were included in the dataset. Data on cow level was used for the descriptive statistics. The data was restricted to, and grouped by, heifers from 12 months of age, first, second and third or older parity cows from the breeds Holstein, Danish Red Dairy, Jersey and crossbreds. The number of recorded trimmings per TrimmerID per year varied from 132 to 48,040 with a mean of 9556 and increased during the period studied. The overall prevalence across breed and parity groups of DD, IH, SU and WLA was 21%, 6%, 7% and 3%, respectively. The prevalence of the lesions remained quite constant during the 5-year period. DD was recorded in 95% of the herds in 2017. The prevalence of IH, SU and WLA increased with increasing parity. Digital recording of claw lesions may be a good indicator of claw health. However, the recording routines and quality of the recordings must be considered.