Ovine Footrot and Its Clinical Management

Footrot is one of the most important causes of lameness and economic losses in sheep and goat production worldwide. A 2-years-old ram was presented to the college of veterinary science teaching hospital, Mekelle University, with a history of non-weight bearing lameness of the left hindlimb. The hoof was damaged, split and the interdigital space was full of dirt and the scent of a rotten smell. On clinical examination, the sheep was suffering from depression, weight loss,  with elevation in the physiological parameters such as a rectal temperature of 40.1°C, heart rate of 96 beats per minute, and respiratory rate of 40 breaths per minute. The hoof was carefully washed with isotonic saline solution and disinfected with hydrogen peroxide 3% and povidone-iodine 1%. Additionally, meloxicam (0.5mg/kg, IM) thrice daily for three days and oxytetracycline 10% (10mg/kg, IM) for successive 5 days were administered parenterally. The infected surface was also treated with topical oxytetracycline spray for five days. The sheep have recovered after 7 days of treatment with significant improvement in the hoof injury. Successful management of footrot in Abergele sheep is discussed in the current case report.