[Purulent inflammation of the fetlock joint in cattle--treatment by joint resection]

A surgical method for the treatment of purulent inflammation of the fetlock joint in cattle is reported. The method involves opening of the diseased joint and complete removal of diseased tissues (articular resection). Three of four cattle with purulent inflammation of the fetlock joint could be successfully treated using this procedure. Following complete removal of the fetlock joint ossification took place. The use of the limb was little affected in all gait types following the ossification of the fetlock joint. One cow was not healed, since it was not possible to resect the affected tissues completely.