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Digit amputation in cattle: 85 cases (1971-1990)
T G Pejsa1, G St Jean, G F Hoffsis
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-5606.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|March 15, 1993
Summary
Digit amputation in cattle, often for septic arthritis, can lead to good recovery, with many returning to pre-surgery production levels. However, lameness remains a risk, especially in heavier animals or those with rear lateral digit amputations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Bovine Surgery
- Animal Orthopedics
Background:
- Digit amputation is a surgical procedure performed on cattle to address various foot conditions.
- Septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint is a common indication for digit amputation.
- Understanding the outcomes of digit amputation is crucial for veterinary decision-making and herd management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of digit amputation in cattle.
- To identify factors influencing recovery and production levels after digit amputation.
- To assess the success rate of digit amputation for treating lameness in cattle.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 83 cattle undergoing digit amputation between 1971 and 1990.
- Evaluation of signalment, lameness duration, prior treatments, digit involved, and pathology.
- Owner follow-up to assess post-amputation herd duration, reasons for culling, production levels, and lameness.
Main Results:
- Fifty-one percent of cattle achieved pre-amputation production levels for at least 24 months.
- Approximately 30% of cattle were culled due to lameness within 7 months post-surgery.
- Recovery likelihood decreased with increased cattle weight, with rear medial digit amputations faring better than front digits or rear lateral digits.
Conclusions:
- Digit amputation can be a successful treatment for certain bovine foot conditions, allowing many animals to return to production.
- Lameness is a significant risk factor for culling post-amputation, particularly in the initial months.
- Factors such as animal weight and the specific digit amputated influence the prognosis for recovery.