INSIDE CRACKS

Inside cracks are one of the 5 most common conditions I repeatedly see that cause cows to be lame. They are the end result of a foot rot infection that causes a crack to form on the inside surface of the affected claw. They are also one of the more difficult conditions to treat because the crack is situated between the claws making access problematic. This cow was lame in the front left leg and from the photo you can see that the crack runs the entire length of the claw. Often these are complicated because an infection has set up in the soft tissue associated with the crack. In some instances granulation tissue that looks like a 'strawberry' can form in the crack.

Treatment involves trying to open up the crack as much as possible by trimming away any affected tissue. I use a Dremel tool to make this part of the job easier. A hh was used to relieve pain, get her walking normally quickly and promote healing. A course of anti-inflammatories and antibiotics was also prescribed.

HOW I TIE UP A LEG IN A RACE

Instead of putting the leg rope around the fetlock, I prefer to put it above the hock to start with, form a 'pulley set up' with the leg rope using the top rail and use that to lift up the leg. I then secure the leg by tying it off above the fetlock. This means the cows is supported in two places. They seem to be more stable and I have less cows going down as a result. The hoof is often in a better position to work on and once you are finished it is also safer to remove the leg rope as it is above the hock.

LONG CLAW REMEDIED USING A GRINDER

These before and after photos speak for themselves