The radiologic investigation of bovine lameness associated with infection

Infections, primarily of the limbs, are a significant part of our bovine lameness practice here at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. The majority of these infections relate to the foot. More proximal lesions do occur, however, as detailed in the preceding section. It is interesting to note that such lesions are not assessed radiographically in practice until such time as antibiotics are judged to be ineffective. This period of medical treatment is often lengthy and expensive. The efficacy of potential, as well as ongoing, treatment often is better determined after a clinical and radiologic assessment of the animal. Indeed, radiology can be a paying proposition for both the producer and the practitioner, to say nothing of its obvious benefits to the animal.