Beef Cattle Lameness

Lameness in the feedyard can impact profitability. Correctly identifying the early signs of lameness and diagnosing the specific lameness issue is a common challenge for feedyards.

Identifying Lameness Problems in Beef Cattle

  • Problems in the foot account for 90% of beef cattle lameness.
  • Two of the most common problems, footrot and toe abscess, require different treatments.
  • Watch animals in motion to pinpoint lameness location.
  • Pick up foot, wash and examine to determine cause of lameness.

Footrot Details

Footrot Details

Footrot: an infection of skin between the toes

Diagnosis

  • Symmetrical swelling
  • Foul smell
  • Broken skin (ulcers) between toes

Treatment

  • Wash until clean
  • Topical antiseptic
  • Responds well to antibiotics approved for footrot

Prevention

  • Pen maintenance
  • Improve integrity of skin with proper nutrition

Toe Abscess Details

Toe Abscess Details

Toe Abscess: a toe abrasion resulting in subsequent infection in the claw            

Diagnosis

  • Walk to protect toe(s)
  • Extremely painful
  • Worn sole and tip of toe
  • No swelling; normal

Treatment

  • Tip toe to drain abscess and relieve pressure; DO NOT TRIM ENOUGH TO CAUSE BLEEDING.
  • Select long duration antibiotics
  • House in clean/dry environment
  • May require extended therapy

Prevention

  • Quiet/calm cattle handling
  • Provide non-abrasive footing in alleys and working areas

Additional Causes

Additional Causes of Beef Cattle Lameness

In addition to footrot and toe abscess, other common beef cattle lameness problems include:

  • Swollen septic joint
  • Injured foot
  • Upper leg
  • Laminitis

Hairy heel warts   Each cause of lameness in beef cattle requires a different treatment, making proper identification essential. With correct diagnosis of the lameness problem and administering the appropriate treatment, a quick recover can be achieved. Consult your veterinarian to develop specific beef lameness prevention programs.

Beef Cattle Lameness Poster

Free Beef Cattle Lameness Poster

For more information about lameness in beef cattle, request your free copy of the Beef Cattle Lameness Poster. This educational tool, available from Zinpro Corporation, was developed in cooperation with industry experts Dr. Dee Griffin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Dr. Tom Edwards.