A toe abcess and the value of using hoof testers

A toe abscess with pus is not an uncommon finding. In this case a pain response was elicited when hoof testers were applied to the toe area. Hoof testers are vital when working with lame cows and I rely on them to help determine not only which claw is affected but also the location in that claw. A quick grind identified a minute white line defect and on further investigation, pus was released. Treatment involved removing all under run sole and applying a HH. Prepping of the other claws sole created a good amount of surface area on which to glue a HH. No antibiotics were used.