[Follow-up studies of resections of claws in cattle]

Between 1980 and 1991 205 partial resections on claws of cattle have been performed at our clinic, 111 of these cases could be included in a retrospective study. In 57.5% of these cases parts of the third phalange had to be resected (group 1), in 14.2% parts of the third phalange and the deep flexor tendon had to be removed (group 2); in 28.3% also the distal sesamoid bone and/or other structures were affected (group 3). The average duration of treatment (mean +/- s) was 6.9 +/- 4.5 weeks for group 1, 6.5 +/- 1.9 weeks and 9.3 +/- 3.9 weeks for group 2 and 3, respectively. There was a highly significant difference between the means of group 1 and 3 and a significant difference between group 2 and 3. Of 103 animals which were provided for pasturing 44.7% could meet this requirement not at all or only with limitations. This was true for 66.7% of animals of group 2 and 58.2% of animals of group 3. 84.5% of 84 animals, which could be evaluated in this respect, the normal milk production was regained after treatment. At the time the retrospective study was performed, 13 of the animals still were alive. The average survival time (mean +/- s) after surgical treatment of 74 animals, for which the date of slaughter was available, was 22.0 +/- 21.8 months. Recurring lameness from the treated or another leg was the reason for salvaging in 39.2% of the animals. A comparison with results of an earlier retrospective study of our clinic, dealing with cattle after amputation to the toe revealed that with the exception of cases with a well deliminated zone of necrosis in the third phalange for economical reasons the toe amputation should be performed rather than a partial resection. For cases, where slaughter would be the only alternative to the resection, this method can well be recommended.