FOOT ROT

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Causative Agent(s)

It is mainly caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum; however, Bacteroides species may also be isolated from affected feet.

 

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Severe foot lameness appears suddenly, usually in one limb. There may be mild fever (39-40oC) and depression in milk yield. Animal puts a little weight on the leg and may carry the leg in severe advanced cases (joint involvement). Swelling of the coronet and spreading of claws are obvious. Inter-digital skin is swollen, necrotic and fissured at the cleft. There is characteristic odour from the lesions. Pus is never present in large amount. Septic arthritis is a possible sequel suggested by swelling extending up the limbs. Long continued irritation may result in the development of a wart-like mass of fibrous tissue, the inter-digital fibroma, in the anterior part of the cleft with chronic mild lameness. Inter-digital fibroma occurs commonly without the intervention of foot rot, usually by a genetic predisposition. It should be surgically removed early before it becomes massive.

Diagnostic Considerations

Direct microscopic examination or bacterial culture and identification of sample from lesions on blood agar.

Management and Treatment

Antibiotics such as Procaine penicillin, LA oxytetracycline, Penicillin-streptomycin, naxcel, ceftiofur, Nuflor, or tulathromycin (Draxxin®)

Wash the foot with lukewarm water and soap. Remove dirt or manure in the affected area.

Apply topical antibiotic and or fly repellent like Oxytet spray, Turpentine oil etc to wound lesion or foot bath containing a 5% solution of copper sulphate until the infected area is healed.

Trimming of the hooves is also advised

  • Penicillin G sodium: 10,000-20,000 IU (6-12 mg)/kg IV or IM, q6-8h x 5/7
  • Procaine penicillin 22000 IU/Kg IM, q12-24h x 5/7
  • Oxytetracycline LA 20 mg/kg IM (repeat after 2-4 days)
  • Sodium sulphadimidine 150-200 mg/kg IV
  • Ceftiofur 1-2mg/kg IM x 5/7
  • Tulathromycin 5 mg/kg (Don’t give more than 10 ml at once.

 

Footbath containing 5-10% formaldehyde or 10% CuSO4 with or without slake lime in doorway for cattle to walk through twice a day will practically eliminate the disease.