Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Prevalence of hoof diseases in cows

Anastasiia Klymas, Maksym Syrlyk
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Abstract

An increasing incidence of orthopaedic disorders, including the development of purulent conditions, has been recorded among cows on dairy farms. These disorders are typically accompanied by localised inflammatory reactions, which adversely affect the overall physiological state of the animals, leading not only to reduced milk yield but also to premature culling. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of orthopaedic disorders in dairy cows, identify their forms and clinical characteristics, and develop approaches to local treatment. Monitoring studies were conducted at livestock farms in the Vinnytsia, Donetsk, Lviv, and Cherkasy regions. Data were obtained on the prevalence of orthopaedic pathology in dairy cows, including the identification of nosological forms, degrees of lameness, and the effectiveness of treatment applied. Lameness was assessed by observing cows in motion. The final diagnosis of the pathological condition was made following an examination of the distal limb segments and orthopaedic hoof trimming. As a result of the examination, aseptic pododermatitis was diagnosed in 7.5%-48.0% of cows within the observed herds; clinical signs of purulent infiltration at the base of the sole’s dermis in the pedal segment of the hindlimbs were identified in 5.6%-18.0% of cows; and over 50.0% of cows were found to have papillomatous digital dermatitis over the past two years. By the sixteenth day following the course of treatment, two-thirds of the affected animals had recovered. Subsequent clinical evaluations of cows before and after local therapy revealed no signs of progression of purulent processes in the distal limb region. These findings indicate the positive effect of local treatment using Intra Hoof-fit Gel (Netherlands), the wound-healing Intra Repiderma Spray (Netherlands), and Intra Hoof-fit Tape (Netherlands) by day sixteen, resulting in treatment efficacy rates of 90.0%-93.3%. The results obtained are of practical value for both researchers and practising veterinary professionals and may contribute to the improvement of treatment protocols for orthopaedic disorders in dairy cows

Keywords

surgical pathology; animal welfare; orthopaedics; lameness; local therapy

Suggested citation
Klymas, A., & Syrlyk, M. (2025). Prevalence of hoof diseases in cows. Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 16(1), 88-103. https://doi.org/10.31548/veterinary1.2025.88
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