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Predisposing factors of laminitis in cattle
1Department of Veterinary Anesthesiology, Radiology and Surgery, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
The British Veterinary Journal
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Bovine laminitis, a major cause of cattle lameness, involves complex factors affecting claw health. Research suggests vascular changes, particularly in arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs), combined with nutrition and management, are key to its development.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Pathology
Background:
- Laminitis is a significant cause of lameness in cattle, often linked to claw disorders.
- The exact causes and progression of bovine laminitis remain incompletely understood.
- Microcirculatory changes in the bovine claw corium, especially involving arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs), are hypothesized to be critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the major predisposing factors contributing to bovine laminitis.
- To synthesize current knowledge on the multifactorial aetiology and pathogenesis of the disease.
- To highlight the role of vascular reactivity and horn synthesis inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of experimental and clinical studies on bovine laminitis.
- Analysis of factors implicated in the disease's development.
- Synthesis of information on nutrition, disease, management, and behavior.
Main Results:
- Laminitis has a multifactorial aetiology, involving a combination of predisposing factors.
- Vascular reactivity, particularly of AVAs, and impaired horn synthesis are central to pathogenesis.
- Nutrition (e.g., barley grain, protein, carbohydrate, fiber), systemic disease, management (housing, bedding, exercise), calving, season, age, genetics, conformation, and behavior are implicated.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the complex interplay of factors is crucial for addressing bovine laminitis.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the pathogenesis and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies.
- Interventions targeting vascular function and horn synthesis may be beneficial.