[Incidence of lesions of the sole (author's transl)]

Lesions of the sole, ranging in severity from discolouration to ulceration of the sole and undermining of the horn of the wall and sole, are common in heifers under the conditions prevailing in the Netherlands. In view of the similarity of these lesions in the two lateral claws of the hind-feet of the same animal, both as regards the localization on the sole and the severity of the lesions as well as the time of onset, these lesions cannot be solely attributed to mechanical injury. Also in view of the fact that they are associated with the time of calving, they may be regarded as symptoms of chromic laminitis. Housing (loose housing versus trying stalls) and the season of calving (housing period versus grazing period) are factors in the incidence of lesions of the sole.