Content
Corolla phlegmon in a cow is a purulent inflammation of the hoof corolla and the adjacent area of skin. This disease occurs quite often in cattle; as a rule, it occurs as a result of injury to the animal's hoof.
Causes of the disease
Often, after grazing on pasture, a cow will limp slightly. An inexperienced farmer may not pay attention to this, believing that the reason is a small scratch. But such a seemingly minor problem can lead to complications if the wound is not treated in a timely manner.
Cellulitis of the corolla forms after infection. This also occurs with significant damage: fracture, crack, prolonged compression of nerve endings. Often, while grazing, cows move through mud, and sometimes they are in unsanitary conditions in their stalls. This provokes the appearance of ulcers and cracks in the hooves.
If we add a weak immune system to these reasons, then phlegmon will appear as a complication after infection.
The causative agents of phlegmon in cows are staphylococci, streptococci, and E. coli.All these microorganisms are found on the cow’s hooves and are completely harmless until an entry point for infection appears - wounds or other damage on the cow’s limbs. Then inflammation of the corolla occurs.
Sometimes phlegmon is caused by more complex and dangerous infections, for example, foot and mouth disease, pododermatitis.
Cellulitis occurs in different ways. Sometimes the disease manifests itself in the form of a small abscess. Timely autopsy and some therapeutic measures lead to a quick recovery. It happens that microorganisms penetrate deeply: into the subcutaneous tissue, into the base of the skin of the corolla, the border, then into the hairy area above the corolla, and the interdigital gap. This development of the disease is considered very complex; it is quite difficult.
Symptoms of phlegmon of the corolla
The disease develops rapidly. As a rule, one of the first signs is the cow limping when moving, a swelling that appears on the corolla. When pressed, the cow groans and shudders.
Other signs of corolla phlegmon:
- the damaged hoof is hot, the horny tissue peels off;
- increase in the interdigital gap;
- lameness when moving;
- lack of appetite;
- increased body temperature;
- increased heart rate, intermittent breathing;
- poor general condition of the animal;
- drop in milk production;
- The cow lies down more, when she tries to get up she staggers, she tries not to lean on the sore limb.
A green liquid is found in the subcutaneous layer of the corolla. The swelling extends to the walls of the hoof and toe. The area becomes painful and hard.If treatment is started immediately, the cow's condition will improve within a week.
This is how phlegmon of the corolla manifests itself in the initial stage of the disease - serous.
During the abscess stage, an abscess develops. If it is opened in a timely manner, the animal recovers. If not, the infection affects the skin and interhoof gap. A purulent-bloody exudate appears, and necrosis of all layers of the skin develops.
During the putrefactive stage of the disease, tissues die and peel off, and ulcers form.
Depending on the area of damage, phlegmon is divided into paraarticular (develops in the toe part of the hoof) and perichondral (heel part).
Diagnosis of the disease
The examination begins with examining the cow's hooves. First, determine the shape and see how much the hoof has enlarged. Then injuries (wounds, ulcers, scratches) are discovered in the corolla area. When examining joints, their mobility is checked. You should also check the temperature of the diseased organ by touching it with your hand. During the inflammatory process in the area of damage, it is increased.
The disease can be more accurately determined by a blood test. As with any inflammatory process, the number of leukocytes in the blood increases. This indicates the formation of leukocyte neutrophilia. This is usually observed with the development of latent inflammation and the development of purulent processes. Such leukocytosis indicates an excessive focus of inflammation.
The final diagnosis is made after determining the cause of the disease. If the reason for the development of coronary phlegmon is the occurrence of another disease, then the treatment method will be non-standard.First, the doctor will have to treat the underlying disease.
In addition to the classic diagnosis of coronary phlegmon, arthropuncture of the coffin joint can be performed. The procedure involves withdrawing fluid from the affected area using a needle. The liquid is examined in laboratory conditions, after which an accurate diagnosis is made.
Treatment of coronary phlegmon in a cow
Once the disease is confirmed, treatment should be prescribed immediately.
First of all, it is necessary to transfer the cow to a separate stall and isolate the calf from her. Lay clean straw on her, constantly changing it if necessary.
On the affected area, you should carefully remove the hair and reduce the stratum corneum so that it does not put pressure on the affected area. Next, treat the area of the corolla with iodine, chlorhexidine, and furacillin solution.
A compress with ichthyol or camphor alcohol can be applied to the site of inflammation to speed up the drainage of pus. The bandage is changed as it dries. The use of ichthyol ointment is also indicated.
Injections include penicillin intramuscularly to relieve inflammation and novocaine. Sometimes a circular blockade is performed by injecting the drugs slightly above the affected area. This can be done once every two days. Injections can be made into the area above the interhoof gap.
To speed up the healing process, a calcium chloride solution and camphor serum are prescribed.
If the infection has become severe, surgery is performed by cutting the densest areas with a scalpel and removing all dead cells. Next, apply a lotion with a solution of sodium chloride and treat with hydrogen peroxide. You can apply antibiotic powder and apply a sterile bandage.
Prognosis and prevention
The prognosis is favorable with high-quality and timely treatment.
Preventive measures should focus on regular, daily inspection of the cow's hooves, especially after a walk. If injuries are detected, immediately treat with any antiseptic. Pay attention to the maintenance of the cow - the pen must be clean, the bedding should be changed regularly. Be sure to carry out timely cleaning and trimming of hooves.
It is important to review the cow’s feeding diet and add vitamin supplements to the feed.
Conclusion
Cellulitis of the corolla in a cow is a complex, rapidly developing disease that can lead to adverse consequences. It can be avoided if you treat the animal responsibly and promptly treat all infectious diseases.
