The effect of digital dermatitis on hoof conformation

Digital dermatitis (DD) is the most prevalent cause of lameness of infectious origin in cattle. However, little is known about the effects of DD on hoof conformation (HC) during the clinical disease. The objectives of the present study were to (1) evaluate the changes in HC observed in feet affected with clinical DD lesions and (2) investigate the temporal relationship between DD and heel horn erosion (HHE). A longitudinal study was carried out including a cohort of 644 Holstein heifers. Digital dermatitis, HC, and presence of HHE in the rear feet of each heifer were assessed during a period of 6 mo. A total of 1,979 feet evaluations were included in the data set, of which 157 corresponded to feet presenting DD lesions >20mm [mean (SD) size of 27.2 (8.2) mm]. Age, days of pregnancy, hip height, and girth circumference were also recorded at cow level. Significant HC changes were observed in DD-affected feet. Results standardized to a period of 90d of follow-up showed an increase in heel height [mean (95% CI) 3.4 (2.5, 4.4) and 2.8 (2.0, 3.7) mm] and claw angle [0.8 (0.2, 1.4) and 1.4 (0.7, 2.0) degrees] of the medial and lateral claws, respectively. In addition, an increase in depth of the interdigital cleft [3.2 (2.7, 3.7) mm] and on debris accumulation [14% (7, 21) of feet] was also observed. Feet affected with clinical DD lesions also experienced a 46% point increase in the presence of severe HHE. In the short term, HC changes returned to normal levels when clinical cure of DD was achieved after topical treatment. In conclusion, significant HC changes occur in heifers affected by clinical DD before lameness symptoms are detected. The transformation of the heel area in feet affected by DD likely promotes the creation of a local environment that favors the persistence of the disease and the occurrence of severe HHE. To avoid further hoof damage, active surveillance and early intervention to reduce HC changes are recommended to improve DD control programs. Successful restoration of HC can be achieved upon clinical cure of DD. The long-term effects in lifetime performance of the HC changes due to DD remain to be further investigated.