Partial herd hoof trimming results in a higher economic net benefit than whole herd hoof trimming in dairy herds.

Sole ulcers, a common cause of lameness is the costliest non-infectious foot lesion in dairy cows and one of the most prevalent non-infectious foot lesions in freestall housing systems. Costs associated with sole ulcers are treatment costs, plus increased labor and decreased productivity and fertility. Routine hoof trimming is part of a strategy to manage sole ulcers. However, hoof trimming strategies differ among farms. The two most frequently applied strategies are: 1) partial herd hoof trimming with a 2-month interval between trims; and 2) whole herd hoof trimming at 6-month intervals. A Markov model was developed to investigate whether every 2 months partial herd hoof trimming or whole herd hoof trimming every 6 months was the most cost-effective strategy to avoid costs associated with sole ulcers. In this model, the net benefits for a 100-cow herd and the average productive life span of a dairy cow in intensive dairy systems of 3 years were evaluated. Partial herd hoof trimming was the most cost-effective strategy 100% of the time compared to whole herd hoof trimming, with a difference in 3-year net benefits of US$4,337 (95% CI: US$2,713-US$5,830). Based on sensitivity analyses, variables that were the sources of the biggest uncertainty in the model were herd size, the probability of being trimmed in a partial herd trim, and the prevalence of sole ulcers. To further investigate the impacts of herd size and of probability of being trimmed, various scenario analyses were conducted. With increasing herd size, the difference in net benefits in favor of partial herd hoof trimming increased even more. Scenario analyses about the probability of getting trimmed all indicated that targeted intervention increased the difference in net benefits in favor of partial herd hoof trimming. However, if the selection of cows to be trimmed in a partial herd trim was random, the whole herd hoof trimming strategy became cost-effective. Therefore, targeted selection and early intervention are necessary to decrease costs associated with sole ulcers.

Surgical excision of P3 fragments in 86 declawed cats: case series (2013-2023).

CASE SERIES SUMMARY: This case series describes the clinical findings and surgical intervention of 86 declawed cats; 52 from a shelter or rescue and 34 owned cats. Historical reports from owners and shelter staff included house-soiling, biting behavior, repelling behavior, barbering, lameness, chronic digit infection and nail regrowth. All the cats had fragments of the third phalanx (P3) of varying sizes diagnosed on radiographs. Pathology visible on examination included digital subcutaneous swelling, ecchymosis, malaligned digital pads, ulcerations, exudate, tendon contracture, nail regrowth and callusing. Surgery was pursued in these cases to remove the P3 fragments, relieve tendon contracture and reposition the digital pads with an anchoring suture. Gross findings intraoperatively included fragmented growth of cornified and non-cornified nail tissue, osteophytes on the surface of the second phalanx, deep digital flexor tendon calcification, and both bacterial and sterile exudate. The most common complication 14 days postoperatively was mild (14%) to moderate (1%) lameness. All historical parameters recorded improved in both populations of cats (house-soiling, biting behavior, repelling behavior, barbering, lameness, tendon contracture and chronic digit infection). Postoperatively, 1/47 cats exhibited continued malalignment of two digital pads and there were no reports of long-term postoperative lameness. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Two methods of declawing cats are detailed in the veterinary literature, including partial amputation of P3 and disarticulation of the entire P3 bone. The novel information in this report includes historical and clinical signs of declawed cats with P3 fragments, intraoperative gross pathology, surgical intervention and the postoperative follow-up results.

A scoring system for grading corkscrew claws in dairy cattle.

Corkscrew claw (CC) in dairy cattle is increasingly reported in dairy herds. CC is a progressive deformity of the claw capsule with uncertain aetiology and pathogenesis. Genetics and specific environmental factors are suspected of contributing to the development of this irreversible condition. CC has been found in lame cows; however, the cause and effect has not been established. To perform analysis of risk factors, treatment and pathogenesis, a definition of severity scores is called for. The aim of this study was to measure and analyse CC characteristics from photos of cows' feet to describe and evaluate a scoring system for CC. Width of the visible part of the axial wall, degree of contact between the toe and the floor and angle of the distal part of the abaxial wall as a proxy for the deviation of the abaxial wall was measured from 393 pictures of CC. Based on the measurements on the claws, the parameter "width of the axial wall" was chosen to define the scores. The parameter was divided into three intervals to define either mild CC 0.3-2.0 cm, moderate CC 2.1-3.5 cm or severe CC>3.5 cm and correlation between the parameters; level of contact between the toe and the floor and the angle of the distal abaxial wall was evaluated. There was a significant positive linear correlation between width of the axial wall and angle of the distal part of the abaxial wall (r=0.91), the wider the axial wall, the more the abaxial wall deviated in the distal part. As the width of the axial wall increased the toe increasingly lost contact with the floor, this association was significant for mild CC and moderate CC but not for severe CC. The Interobserver agreement of the CC Scoring system was tested by 30 claw trimmers each scoring 32 cadaver feet and by 2 trained observers on 28 photos of feet using Cohen´s weighted kappa and showed substantial to almost perfect agreement between untrained and trained observers, respectively.

Changes in aspects of hoof and distal limb conformation in foals by radiographic evaluation.

This study investigated age-related radiographic changes in the distal parts of the forelimbs by radiographic evaluation and identified the radiographic changes associated with diseases specific to foals. The hoof angle (HA), distal phalanx angle (P3A), distal phalanx palmer angle (P3PA), distal interphalangeal joint angle (DIPJA), and metacarpophalangeal joint angle (MPJA) on lateromedial radiographs of forelimbs were measured on the day after birth (Day 1); at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age; and then at monthly intervals until 12 months of age. HA and P3A significantly increased from 1 day to 4 weeks and 4 weeks to 3 months of age. The P3PA increased dramatically from 1 day to 1 week, 1 week to 2 weeks, and 2 weeks to 8 weeks of age, and then decreased after 3 months of age. DIPJA significantly decreased from 1 day to 2 weeks of age before increasing from 3 to 5 months of age. MPJA increased with age until 4 weeks, slightly decreased from 2 to 4 months of age, and then gradually decreased from 4 to 6 months of age. The findings indicate that foals' forelimbs typically show flexion of the fetlock and a broken backward hoof-pastern axis just after birth, an upright fetlock until 4 months of age, and a change to a mature conformation after 6 months of age. Physiological variants were correlated with the occurrence of common foal diseases during the radiographic evaluation periods.

Evaluation of potassium monopersulfate footbath solution for controlling digital dermatitis in lactating dairy cattle. A randomized clinical trial.

Our objective was to assess potassium monopersulfate as a disinfectant used in footbath to control digital dermatitis (DD) in dairy cows. We hypothesized that a potassium monopersulfate solution would control DD. A 180-day randomized negative controlled trial was conducted in a 265-Holstein free-stall facility. Throughout the trial, foot bathing was performed bi-weekly using a split (left vs. right feet) footbath: one tub filled with 1% potassium monopersulfate (treatment), the other with tap water (control). Digital dermatitis lesions were scored during trimming chute examinations of the unwashed hind heels every 90 days using the modified M-scoring system. Digital dermatitis lesions were re-categorized into four variables: 1) inactive; 2) active; 3) any; 4) inactive or absence of DD lesions. Three longitudinal outcomes were characterized: risks of 1) developing a DD lesion; 2) reactivating an inactive DD lesion; 3) development of an inactive or the absence of the DD lesion. A generalized linear model was used to compare the variables and longitudinal outcomes between treated and control groups. Prevalence of active DD lesions increased from 12.5% to 39.9% between days 0 and 90. This significant increase in prevalence justified the discontinuation of the study on day 90 for ethical reasons. There was no statistical difference between treated and control groups for the first outcome (RR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.62, 1.7), the second outcome (RR: 1.0; 95% CI: 0.62,-1.7); or the third outcome (RR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.37, 2.1). A 1% potassium monopersulfate footbath solution appears ineffective to control DD in this study.

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.

Blood and hoof biodistibution of some trace element (Lithium, Copper, Zinc, Strontium and, Lead) in horse from two different areas of Sicily.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Biological monitoring of trace element horses is a well-known tool for investigating potential bioaccumulation in urbanized and industrialized geographical areas. Some biomaterials such as hoof are considered as an important indicator of environmental pollution. Hooves can store trace elements for a long time compared to blood and this represents a scientific key to long-term monitoring of exposure to environmental pollutants. In the present study, samples of equine hoof and blood were taken from an experimental group of horses living in an industrialized area of Sicily (Italy) and from a control group of horses housed in a non-industrialized area of Sicily to evaluate the bioaccumulation of different trace elements in different substrates. METHODS: Hoof and blood mineral concentration of Li- Lithium, Cu- Copper, Zn- Zinc, Sr- Strontium and, Pb- Lead was processed by means of Thermo Scientific iCAP-Q ICP-MS spectrometer. Student T-test was applied to evaluate the differences between groups and substrates. Correlation analysis between substrates and hematological parameters was performed. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed a significant statistical difference for Li (p < 0.0001) and Pb (p < 0.0001) between blood and hoof in both groups. A statistically significant difference was observed for Li (p < 0.0001), Cu(p < 0.01), Zn (p < 0.0001) and Pb (p < 0.0001) between substrates in the experimental group. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference of blood Zn (p < 0.01) and hoof Pb (p < 0.01) concentration between groups. Our results revealed a statistically higher concentration of minerals in the blood substrate than in the hoof in both groups. Li (p < 0.0001) and Zn (p < 0.001) were positively correlated between control and experimental group in blood substrate. No correlations were found (P > .05) in hoof between groups for other elements. A positive correlation with WBC was observed in Cu concentration for hoof substrate (p < 0.02) in control group and for Zn in experimental group (p < 0.02). A positive correlation with HGB and HCT was observed for Cu hoof concentration (p < 0.02) in experimental group and PLT resulted positively correlated (p < 0.02) with Pb blood substrate in control group. CONCLUSIONS: Horses were not overexposed to these elements in the analyzed groups. The study highlights the role of a new bioaccumulation substrate such as the horse hoof identified as an analytical matrix for the monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in domestic animals.

Animal movement on the hoof and on the cart and its implications for understanding exchange within the Indus Civilisation.

Movement of resources was essential to the survival and success of early complex societies. The sources and destinations of goods and the means of transportation - be it by boats, carts and/or foot - can often be inferred, but the logistics of these movements are inherently more difficult to ascertain. Here, we use strontium isotopic analysis to test hypotheses about the role of animal and animal-powered transport in medium and long-distance movement and exchange, using the Indus Civilization as a case study. Across the wide geographical spread of the Indus Civilisation, there is strong evidence for long-distance exchange of raw materials and finished objects and this process is presumed to involve boats and animal-driven transport, although there is little evidence as to the relative importance of each mode of movement. Strontium isotopic analysis of animal remains from four sites analysed for this study combined with results from nine other sites indicates limited long-distance animal movement between different geological zones within the Indus Civilisation. These findings suggest that individual animals primarily moved short- or medium-distances, though there are several significant exceptions seen in some pigs and cattle found at two large urban sites. We infer that long-distance transport of goods, be it raw materials, finished objects, other goods, or the animals themselves, could have occurred through the use of boats and waterways, by traction animals moving over long distances that did not end up in the archaeological record, and/or by different animals participating in many short to medium-distance movements.

Radiographic analysis of the dorsal hoof wall thickness in clinically normal draft horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiographic thickness of the dorsal hoof wall in normal draft horse feet. ANIMALS: 33 adult draft horses with no history of laminitis, no clinically obvious lameness, and visibly unremarkable front feet were included. METHODS: This was a prospective, descriptive study of clinically normal draft horses' front feet. Lateromedial radiographs were acquired of the front feet. A ratio of the dorsal hoof wall thickness to the length of the distal phalanx (DHWP3 ratio) was calculated. RESULTS: The dorsal hoof wall thickness to length of the distal phalanx was calculated as 0.33 ± 0.03 (range of 0.28 to 0.39) in this population of draft horses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With very few exceptions, the heterogeneous population of draft horses evaluated in this study had a DHWP3 ratio greater than previously published values in lighter breeds (< 0.30).

Prolonged hyperinsulinemia increases the production of inflammatory cytokines in equine digital lamellae but not in striated muscle.

Hyperinsulinemia is the key feature of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) which leads to debilitating sequelae. Hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis (HAL) is one of the major sequelae of EMS, although the pathophysiological mechanisms are not well elucidated. Using an equine model, we hypothesized that expression of inflammatory markers would be increased in digital lamellae and striated muscle following prolonged hyperinsulinemia. Healthy Standardbred horses (5.4 ± 1.9 years) were alternately assigned to a prolonged euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (pEHC) or control group (n = 4 per group). Following a 48 h pEHC or a 48 h infusion of a balanced electrolyte solution (controls), biopsies were collected from digital lamellar tissue, skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle were obtained. All hyperinsulinemic horses developed laminitis regardless of previous health status at enrollment. Protein expression was quantified via Western blotting. A significant (P < 0.05) upregulation of the protein expression of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), alpha 2 macroglobulin (A2M) and fibrinogen (α, ß isoforms), as well as inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1ß were detected in digital lamellae following prolonged hyperinsulinemia. In contrast, protein expression of cytokines and acute phase proteins in heart and skeletal muscle was unchanged following hyperinsulinemia. Upregulation of inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins in digital lamellae during prolonged hyperinsulinemia may reveal potential biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for equine endocrinopathic laminitis. Further, the lack of increase of inflammatory proteins and acute phase proteins in striated muscle following prolonged hyperinsulinemia may highlight potential anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective mechanisms in these insulin-sensitive tissues.

Bovine Lameness from the Ground up.

Lameness in bulls is a common problem seen by many veterinarians, and the cause can be difficult to determine. Understanding cattle lameness requires experience and complete knowledge of their structural anatomy and handling. This article reviews the common body regions that cause lameness in bulls and discusses their treatment. It also details hoof trimming as a way to manage lameness.

Short-term induced hyperinsulinaemia and dexamethasone challenge do not affect circulating total adiponectin concentrations in insulin-sensitive ponies.

BACKGROUND: Hypoadiponectinaemia is a risk factor for endocrinopathic laminitis, but the directionality and nature of its association with insulin dysregulation is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of short-term induced hyperinsulinaemia and dexamethasone challenge on circulating [total adiponectin] and whole blood expression of adiponectin (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2), insulin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptors in insulin-sensitive ponies. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo experiment. METHODS: Six never-laminitic, insulin-sensitive, native-breed UK ponies first underwent a dexamethasone challenge (0.08 mg/kg i.v.) with blood samples collected every 15 min over 3 h. After a 14-day washout period, hyperinsulinaemia was induced for 9 h via a euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp (EHC), with blood samples collected every 30 min. Serum [insulin], plasma [total adiponectin], and plasma [IGF-1] were measured using validated assays and receptor gene expression was assessed via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Finally, whole blood was incubated with 10-1000 ng/mL dexamethasone for 3 h at 37°C to investigate its direct effects on gene expression. RESULTS: There were no adverse effects observed during either protocol. Dexamethasone challenge did not alter circulating [insulin] or [total adiponectin] at any time-point, but significantly upregulated AdipoR1 and IGF-1R expression at 150 and 180 min. Ex vivo incubation of whole blood with dexamethasone did not alter expression of the genes examined. There was no change in [total adiponectin] or expression of the genes examined associated with EHC-induced hyperinsulinemia. MAIN LIMITATIONS: This was a small sample size that included only native-breed ponies; total adiponectin was measured rather than high-molecular-weight adiponectin. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term induced hyperinsulinaemia and dexamethasone challenge did not affect circulating [total adiponectin] in insulin-sensitive ponies. However, dexamethasone administration was associated with upregulation of two receptors linked to adiponectin signalling, suggesting that a physiological response occurred possibly to counteract dexamethasone-associated changes in tissue insulin sensitivity.

Evaluating the immediate effects of hoof trimming on dairy goat hoof conformation and joint positions.

Hoof overgrowth in commercial housed dairy goats is a major health and welfare concern; thus, it is important to better understand hoof trimming, a priority practice which addresses hoof growth. We evaluated the immediate effects of trimming on external conformation, internal joint positions, and hoof wall overgrowth of front and hind hooves. Eighty female goats were enrolled. Pre and post hoof trimming data were collected at 13, 17, 21 and 25 months of age. Overall, before trimming, a high percentage of hooves were scored as overgrown (77.8%). Trimming decreased the percentage of overgrown hooves (17.6%: P < 0.001) and other moderate/severe conformational issues: dipped heels (49.3% vs. 26.7; P < 0.001), misshaped claws (37.0% vs. 17.6%; P < 0.001), splayed claws (73.7% vs. 56.7%; P < 0.001). More hind than front hooves had dipped heels pre-trimming and (91.3% vs. 7.3%; P < 0.001) and post-trimming (52.8% vs. 0.6%; P < 0.001); over half of the hind heels were not restored to an upright position. A greater proportion of toe length was removed from the hind hooves compared to the front (0.50 vs. 0.43, P < 0.001), with the greatest proportion of hoof wall overgrowth removed from the hind hoof medial claw at the 13-month assessment (P < 0.001). Following trimming, distal interphalangeal joint angle decreased more in hind compared to front hooves (11.0° vs. 6.9°; P < 0.001); distal interphalangeal joint height decreased (0.21 cm, P < 0.001), and proximal interphalangeal joint, and heel, angles increased (7.76° and 8.93°, respectively; P < 0.001). Trimming did not restore conformation of all hooves when trimmed every 4 months, suggesting a need to investigate reasons for underlying poor conformation, including trimming frequency.

Ex vivo biomechanical evaluation of an adhered fiberglass and polymethyl methacrylate sole-hoof wall cast on stabilization of type III distal phalanx fractures under simulated physiologic midstance loads.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the application of a novel fiberglass-glue cast (FGC) on the fracture gap width in experimentally created type III distal phalanx fractures in cadaveric specimens under simulated physiologic loads. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo biomechanical laboratory study. ANIMALS: Nine unilateral adult equine cadaver forelimbs. METHODS: Type III distal phalanx fractures were created in forelimb specimens, which maintained distal components of the passive stay apparatus. The fracture gap was measured at 5%, 20%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 95% of fracture length (palmar articular border to solar margin) using D65Pr-PaDiO radiographs. The limb was axially loaded (700, 3600, 4600, and 6700 N) before, during, and after removal of a woven fiberglass cloth and polymethyl methacrylate cast that encompassed the sole and distal portion of the hoof wall (FGC). Fracture gap widths were compared among loads and treatments using a mixed model ANOVA. RESULTS: On average, under simulated physiological midstance loads, the fracture gap width was 0.2 mm smaller after FGC application, with the greatest decrease (0.5 mm) near the articular surface. On average, it was 0.3 mm smaller than after FGC removal. Fracture gap width was 0.1 mm greater when midstance loads transitioned from standing load to walking, trotting, and gallop loads. The fracture gap width increased by 1.3 mm with increasing distance from the articular surface. CONCLUSION: The FGC reduced the fracture gap width and prevented the fracture gap widening that occurred after FGC removal. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The findings support consideration of FGC use in the treatment of horses with type III distal phalangeal fractures.

Visual and morphometric description of feral horse hooves from Sable Island National Park Reserve.

Objective: To visually evaluate and morphometrically describe a sample of abnormal hooves from Sable Island horses that died between 2007 and 2013. Animal: Equine. Procedure: An opportunistic sample of 356 abnormal hooves from horses inhabiting Sable Island National Park Reserve (Canada) was collected postmortem between 2007 and 2013 from 101 Sable Island horses. These hooves were assessed for abnormalities in conformation through visual and morphometric evaluation. Results: On visual and morphometric evaluation, 100% of horses (101/101) had abnormal hoof conformation when compared to a domestic horse hoof model. Specific abnormalities from visual evaluation included long heels (85%); medial, lateral, and dorsal flares (45, 78, and 46% of horses, respectively); and cracking (62%). Specific abnormalities determined from morphometry of the hooves included contracted heels (87%), hoof imbalances including mediolateral imbalance (61%), and hoof length greater than width (100%). Conclusion: Sable Island horses had various hoof abnormalities such as hoof capsule flaring; long, contracted heels; and mediolateral imbalance. These abnormalities have been observed in other feral horse populations living on soft substrates. Given the potential impact of hoof abnormalities on the welfare status of the Sable Island horses, further studies are warranted, including estimation of the prevalence of hoof abnormalities and direct observation of horse gait and behavior. Clinical relevance: The significance of the hoof abnormalities for the health of the Sable Island horses is difficult to determine but the issue highlights the importance of further study to investigate the impact on the horses' welfare.

Description visuelle et morphométrique des sabots de chevaux sauvages de la réserve de parc national de l'Île-de-Sable. Objectif: Évaluer visuellement et décrire morphométriquement un échantillon de sabots anormaux de chevaux de l'île de Sable décédés entre 2007 et 2013. Animal: Cheval. Procédure: Un échantillon opportuniste de 356 sabots anormaux provenant de chevaux habitant la réserve de parc national de l'Île-de-Sable (Canada) a été prélevé post-mortem entre 2007 et 2013 sur 101 chevaux de l'île-de-Sable. Ces sabots ont été évalués pour déceler des anomalies de conformation par une évaluation visuelle et morphométrique. Résultats: Lors de l'évaluation visuelle et morphométrique, 100 % des chevaux (101/101) présentaient une conformation de sabot anormale par rapport à un modèle de sabot de cheval domestique. Les anomalies spécifiques de l'évaluation visuelle comprenaient les talons longs (85 %); poussées médiales, latérales et dorsales (respectivement 45, 78 et 46 % des chevaux); et fissuration (62 %). Les anomalies spécifiques déterminées à partir de la morphométrie des sabots comprenaient des talons contractés (87 %), des déséquilibres des sabots, notamment un déséquilibre médiolatéral (61 %) et une longueur du sabot supérieure à la largeur (100 %). Conclusion: Les chevaux de l'île-de-Sable présentaient diverses anomalies aux sabots, telles qu'un évasement de la boîte cornée; talons longs et contractés; et déséquilibre médiolatéral. Ces anomalies ont été observées chez d'autres populations de chevaux sauvages vivant sur des substrats mous. Compte tenu de l'impact potentiel des anomalies des sabots sur le bien-être des chevaux de l'Île-de-Sable, d'autres études sont justifiées, notamment l'estimation de la prévalence des anomalies des sabots et l'observation directe de la démarche et du comportement des chevaux. Pertinence clinique: L'importance des anomalies des sabots pour la santé des chevaux de l'Île-de-Sable est difficile à déterminer, mais la question souligne l'importance d'une étude plus approfondie pour étudier l'impact sur le bien-être des chevaux.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Field validation of an antibiotic-free hoof spray to effectively treat ovine footrot by eliminating virulent Dichelobacter nodosus.

Ovine footrot caused by Dichelobacter nodosus is a highly contagious hoof disease negatively impacting animal welfare and causing major economic losses to the sheep industry. Bactericidal footbaths have shown to be an efficient treatment option and will be used in the national footrot control program in Switzerland. However, the application of footbaths is laborious and economically not sound for small flock holders. We therefore tested in a field study the Intra Repiderma spray for its applicability and efficacy to treat ovine footrot. Ten independent flocks fulfilling defined parameters (e.g. clinical signs, positive for D. nodosus, flock size) could be identified and were included in the study. Farms were visited weekly to fortnightly and clinical scores and swabs for D. nodosus real-time (rt)PCR were taken. Treatment with the Intra Repiderma spray was started after initial claw trimming at the very first visit and was carried out three times within a week. Clearly visible clinical improvement was evident after one week of treatment. Virulent D. nodosus amounts on feet declined constantly during treatment which was continued until all sheep of a flock tested rtPCR-negative (1-10 weeks). Results indicate that a highly effective improvement of clinical signs and complete elimination of virulent D. nodosus can be achieved with the spray treatment. Therefore, it is a valuable alternative to cumbersome footbaths especially for small flocks. A sustainable control of footrot and its pathogen in a successfully treated flock can be maintained by strict biosecurity measures and continued treatment as far as necessary.

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.

Chemical composition of horse hooves with functional qualities for competing barefoot.

Barefoot racing is a common practice within the harness racing industry, but not all horses have hooves of sufficient quality to race sustainably without shoes. There is currently no objective approach available to assess whether a horse's hooves are suitable for barefoot racing, raising animal welfare issues if trainers misjudge the functional qualities of hooves. This study compared chemical composition of the hoof wall and fatty acid (FA) composition of the digital cushion in a group of horses that had raced barefoot often (RB) and a group of horses that could not race barefoot and therefore raced with shoes (RS). Trimmings from the hind hoof wall were collected from the lateral quarters in one sub-cohort postmortem and in another sub-cohort of live horses and analyzed for macro- and microelements, nitrogen, dry matter (DM), and total and free amino acid content. For the postmortem horses, samples of the digital cushion were also collected and analyzed for total and free FAs. RB horses had lower concentrations of copper in the hoof wall (17.5 ±â€…3.9 vs. 32.8 ±â€…4.7 mg/kg DM, P = 0.02) than RS horses. RB horses also tended (P < 0.1) to have higher concentrations of nitrogen (164.2 ±â€…0.2 vs. 163.5 ±â€…0.3 g/kg DM) and sulfur (22.9 ±â€…0.2 vs. 22.3 ±â€…0.3 g/kg DM). RB horses had higher hoof wall concentrations of arginine (10.51 ±â€…0.05 vs. 10.34 ±â€…0.06 g/100 g DM, P = 0.03) and showed a trend (P < 0.1) for higher hoof wall concentrations of cysteine (6.14 ±â€…0.10 vs. 5.82 ±â€…0.13 g/100 g DM) and proline (4.62 ±â€…0.05 vs. 4.49 ±â€…0.06 g/100 g DM). There were no differences between the groups for any other element or amino acid analyzed. There were also no differences between the two groups in terms of FA composition of the digital cushion. These results indicate that chemical composition, especially with respect to copper, arginine, nitrogen, sulfur, cysteine, and proline, may be important for the functional qualities of the hoof capsule and the ability to race barefoot without wearing the hoof down. However, chemical analysis of hoof wall tissue and of the fat content of the digital cushion does not seem to be a definitive method for distinguishing horses that have hooves suitable for barefoot racing from those that do not.

Barefoot racing is a common practice within the harness racing industry, as it may make a horse run faster. However, not all horses have hooves of sufficient quality to withstand the wear from the track surface during racing, creating a risk of hoof damage. Therefore, an objective method is needed to distinguish between horses that have hooves suitable for barefoot racing and those that do not. In this study, we compared the chemical composition of hoof walls and the fatty acid (FA) composition of the digital cushion in horses that had raced barefoot often and horses that could not race barefoot frequently. We found differences between the two groups of horses in terms of mineral- and amino acid concentrations in the hoof wall, but not in the FA composition of the digital cushion. This indicates that chemical composition may be important for the functional qualities of the hoof capsule and the ability to race barefoot without hoof wear and damage. However, chemical analysis of hooves is not a definitive method for distinguishing horses suitable for barefoot racing from horses that are not suitable.

Systemic epigenome-wide association study of elk treponeme-associated hoof disease.

Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) is an emerging disease of elk (Cervus canadensis) in the U.S. Pacific West. Because environmental epigenetics is the primary molecular process that mediates environmental factor impacts on a host organism and disease, the role of epigenetics in TAHD etiology was examined. The current study was designed to examine potential effects of TAHD on systemic epigenetic modifications in infected elk over a range of TAHD lesion severity. Leg tendons that contain predominantly fibroblast connective tissue cells were used to isolate fibroblast cells for epigenetic analysis in unaffected and TAHD-positive male and female Roosevelt and Rocky Mountain elk. Differential DNA methylation regions (DMRs) between the unaffected and TAHD-positive elk were identified for both female and male elk. The presence of TAHD was associated with alteration of the connective tissue cell epigenetics, and DMR associated genes identified. Therefore, the infected elk were found to have a systemic epigenetic alteration that was associated with the disease, despite pathology being generally limited to feet. If the elk germline epigenetics is altered then generational transmission of susceptibility to TAHD may impact subsequent generations through epigenetic inheritance. This first study of epigenetic changes associated with disease in elk suggests that TAHD promotes a systemic effect on the elk epigenetics which could exert health impacts on the elk.

Evaluation of the hoof centre-of-pressure path in horses affected by chronic osteoarthritic pain.

INTRODUCTION: The Centre of Pressure (COP) is the single point summarising all forces transferred to the hoof during the stance phase of a stride. COP path (COPp) is the trajectory that COP follows from footstrike to lift-off. Aim of the present study was to characterize the COP and COPp in horses affected by osteoarthritis and chronic lameness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen adult horses with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis and single limb chronic lameness were recruited. The COP was recorded using a wireless pressure measuring system (TekScan®) with sensors taped to the hooves (either fore- or hind limb, depending on lameness location). The COPp coordinates were further processed. Procrustes analysis was performed to assess the variability of single strides COPp and average COPp among strides, gaits, and limbs by calculating Procrustes distances (D-values). A linear mixed-effects model was run to analyse D-values differences for lame and sound limbs. Additionally, average COPp D-values and COPp hoofprint shape indices were compared for lame and sound limbs with the Signed Rank Test. RESULTS: At walk and trot the single-stride COPp D-values were significantly lower in lame than in sound limbs (marginal effects p<0.001). Analysis of the average COPp D-values confirmed that each hoof COPp is highly consistent with itself over subsequent trials but is different from the contralateral. COPp and hoofprint shape indices did not differ between sound and lame limbs. Footstrike and lift-off within the hoofprint showed that most horses had lateral footstrike and lift-off, independently of the lameness location. CONCLUSION: Our findings are in line with previous observations that COPp are highly repetitive and characteristic for each horse and limb. There seems to be a further decrease in COPp variability in the presence of a painful limb pathology.