Diagnosis and therapy of feedlot lameness

Abstract

While not at an incidence level comparative to bovine respiratory disease, lameness in feedlots still presents a significant challenge and results in significant economic loss. These proceedings address the basics of diagnosis and therapy of infectious pododermatitis (foot rot), septic arthritis, toe abscesses (toe tip necrosis syndrome), and papillomatous digital dermatitis (hairy heel wart). The benefits of surgical intervention in selected lameness cases are recognized but are beyond the scope of this presentation. Understanding of the causal factors for each disease is pivotal in minimizing additional cases.