Epiphysitis in beef cattle fattened on slatted floors

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Pathology

Background:

• A newly identified syndrome causing severe lameness in beef cattle has been observed.
• The condition primarily affects the fetlock area of the hind limbs.
• Affected cattle were housed on slatted floors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report and discuss a novel syndrome affecting beef cattle.
• To describe the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of the condition.
• To identify the underlying pathology in affected limbs.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination of affected beef cattle.
• Radiological examination of the hind limbs.
• Pathological examination of limb tissues.

Main Results:

• A syndrome causing severe lameness was encountered in beef cattle housed on slatted floors.
• Radiological and pathological examinations identified a lesion of epiphysitis.
• The lesion was located in the distal epiphysis of the metatarsus.

Conclusions:

• Epiphysitis in the distal metatarsus is associated with a severe lameness syndrome in beef cattle.
• This condition, observed in cattle on slatted floors, appears to be previously unreported.
• Further investigation into the causes and management of this epiphysitis is warranted.