A Starke1, M Heppelmann, M Beyerbach, J Rehage. 1. Clinic for Cattle and the Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Germany.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine in cattle with septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint (SADIJ) the efficacy of resection of the distal interphalangeal joint (JRES) as a digit salvage technique compared with digital amputation (DAMP). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical study. ANIMALS: German Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle with SADIJ of 1 hind limb (n=52). METHODS: SADIJ diagnosis was based on clinical examination and radiography. Cows were randomly assigned with owner consent to DAMP (n=26) or JRES (n=26). After JRES, a wooden block was fixed to the partner claw in combination with a tipping claw prophylaxis. RESULTS: After surgery, degree of lameness improved significantly faster after DAMP than after JRES. New claw diseases in the opposite limb occurred more frequently after JRES (n=6) than after DAMP (n=1). New claw defects developed in the partner claw on the operated limb in 6 cows after DAMP compared with 1 after JRES. Tipping claw was observed in 50% of JRES cows at day 180. Mean life span between groups was not significantly different (DAMP=13.5 months, JRES=10.9 months). CONCLUSION: Higher surgical and postsurgical expenditures for JRES were not counterbalanced by a longer productive life; however, frequent disease of the partner claw of cows after DAMP should be considered a critical point, as this generally leads to culling. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The higher expenditure for JRES can be justified only for young, valuable cattle.
OBJECTIVE: To determine in cattle with septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint (SADIJ) the efficacy of resection of the distal interphalangeal joint (JRES) as a digit salvage technique compared with digital amputation (DAMP). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical study. ANIMALS: German Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle with SADIJ of 1 hind limb (n=52). METHODS: SADIJ diagnosis was based on clinical examination and radiography. Cows were randomly assigned with owner consent to DAMP (n=26) or JRES (n=26). After JRES, a wooden block was fixed to the partner claw in combination with a tipping claw prophylaxis. RESULTS: After surgery, degree of lameness improved significantly faster after DAMP than after JRES. New claw diseases in the opposite limb occurred more frequently after JRES (n=6) than after DAMP (n=1). New claw defects developed in the partner claw on the operated limb in 6 cows after DAMP compared with 1 after JRES. Tipping claw was observed in 50% of JRES cows at day 180. Mean life span between groups was not significantly different (DAMP=13.5 months, JRES=10.9 months). CONCLUSION: Higher surgical and postsurgical expenditures for JRES were not counterbalanced by a longer productive life; however, frequent disease of the partner claw of cows after DAMP should be considered a critical point, as this generally leads to culling. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The higher expenditure for JRES can be justified only for young, valuable cattle.
Authors: S Yavari; N Khraim; G Szura; A Starke; E Engelke; C Pfarrer; K Hopster; M Schmicke; W Kehler; M Heppelmann; S B R Kästner; J Rehage Journal: BMC Vet Res Date: 2017-11-07 Impact factor: 2.741