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If a cow is lame on her hind leg, the reasons can be very different: from a simple sprain, from which the animal can recover on its own, to diseases of the joints and hooves. In most cases, lameness in cows is caused by excessive or abnormal growth of the stratum corneum, which becomes deformed as a result of lack of exercise in winter - at this time the animals move little and the stratum corneum does not wear off. In summer, this problem often occurs in cows kept on closed farms.
Why does a cow pull her leg and limp?
Most often, a cow begins to limp or drag her leg due to various joint diseases, deformation of the stratum corneum and infections in the hoof area. The most common foot diseases in cattle include:
- bursitis;
- erosion;
- arthrosis;
- dermatitis;
- arthritis;
- laminitis
If the stratum corneum on the legs of cows is simply deformed, simple pruning will correct the situation, however, very often various complications are added to the growths in the form of suppuration and swelling. In this case, the help of a veterinarian is required, who must prescribe subsequent treatment. As first aid after trimming the stratum corneum, you can treat the cut site on the cattle’s legs with an antiseptic so as not to aggravate the situation with any infection.
Cows can also lame due to a dislocation or sprain - this is one of the simplest options. Sometimes animals do not even require treatment; they quickly recover without outside help. It is much more problematic if the cow’s leg bones have been displaced by a blow or other mechanical impact. If a cow's legs fail as a result of such injuries, there is no point in starting treatment - the animal is sent for slaughter.
You can determine whether a cow is limping by the following signs:
- the animal moves extremely carefully and constrainedly;
- it is difficult for him to get up from his seat;
- lethargy, apathy, and refusal to feed are observed;
- the cow may change position frequently to relieve leg pain;
- sometimes due to improper weight distribution the cow leans forward too much.
Additionally, it is noted that a sick cow’s milk yield is noticeably reduced – from 30% and above. The cause is loss of appetite, which can lead to complete refusal of food.
Reasons if a cow's leg is swollen above the hoof
Most often, swelling of the legs of cows in the area just above the hooves indicates phlegmon, a disease that is expressed in inflammation of the corolla of the stratum corneum. It affects the fiber located under the skin. The disease is usually caused by some kind of infection.Contusion of the inflamed area can complicate the situation.
Additionally, phlegmon on the legs of cows is determined by the following signs:
- weakness of the animal;
- the hoof wall begins to sag;
- the intercoffin surface swells noticeably.
Bursitis is very dangerous for cows. If the animal not only limps and drags its leg, but also has a noticeable swelling in the joint area of the wrist, this may be the beginning of the process of keratinization of this area. In the first stages of bursitis development, the animal can still be helped, however, the advanced disease cannot be treated.
Reasons if a cow's leg hurts, where is the hoof?
In order to recognize a developing disease in time, at the first signs of lameness in a cow, the legs, especially the hoof area, are examined. Preventive inspections are mandatory in winter, when the herd moves little and the risk that the animals will begin to limp increases significantly. Due to the lack of movement, the stratum corneum on the legs of cows stops grinding down and, as a result, grows to a significant size so that the edge even begins to bend upward.
In addition, problems can also occur in the soft areas of the hoof, such as the small lobe underneath and just behind the stratum corneum. This area is easily damaged during grazing, after which the wound can become infected. Ultimately, the animal begins to limp, and when examining the legs and pressing on the damaged area, pain occurs.
In most cases, pain in the hoof area occurs as a result of the development of fusobacteriosis (necrobacteriosis). The cow begins to limp and fall on her leg due to the fact that a large crack appears in the heel area where the soft tissues are located. The area around the damage quickly swells and becomes inflamed, after which the infection spreads to the horny shoe area and penetrates deeper.
Cattle also often suffer from leg erosion, when the hooves are formed incorrectly and loads are redistributed. The pressure is stronger on the outside than on the inside. As a result, the internal soft tissues of the hoof are damaged, the process of rotting begins, and the animal becomes lame on its leg.
What to do if a cow is lame on a front or hind leg
If a cow is lame on a hind or front leg, even slightly, treatment should be started as soon as possible. Even serious diseases of the joints and hooves are curable in the early stages. If the process is started, the cow will eventually have to be sent to the slaughterhouse.
Sometimes treatment, however, is not required at all. First, you need to examine the sore leg - perhaps the animal is limping because something is stuck between the joints of the hoof parts. In this case, it is enough to remove the object and, just in case, disinfect the area in contact with it. If the cow's hoof area on the back or front leg is swollen, it is necessary to contact a veterinarian.
When a cow is limping and the joint near the hoof is noticeably swollen, before the doctor arrives, you can alleviate the animal’s condition with ichthyol ointment and a bandage. Additionally, you can give a “Travmatina” injection.
If a veterinarian has diagnosed that a cow is lame on a hind or front leg due to necrobacteriosis, it is important to isolate the sick individual and provide her with the most comfortable living conditions. The bedding should be fresh and the floor should be clean so that the affected leg does not become infected. Treatment is carried out using special foot baths. Additionally, it is necessary to regularly remove dead tissue from the damaged area. In addition, with necrobacteriosis, cattle need improved nutrition - it is recommended to introduce vitamin supplements into the diet. This way, the cow will recover faster and stop limping.
If the disease is accompanied by the release of a large amount of pus, then it is necessary to apply an alcohol compress to the festering area. In some cases, the administration of antibiotics is required.
When a veterinarian diagnoses that a cow is lame in her leg due to a sprain, the animal is prescribed rest and temporary isolation from the rest of the herd. A compressive bandage and cold are applied to the affected leg for 2 days. Then warming procedures are carried out. Usually this is enough, and soon the sick individual stops limping.
When there is erosion on the legs of cattle, you must first clean the stratum corneum from dirt and treat it with an antiseptic.If there are purulent ulcers, antiseptic ointments should be applied to them. Further treatment involves attaching a special heel to the hoof.
If inflammation with the formation of pus is observed on the legs of a sick animal, treatment always begins with opening the affected cavity. Then it is cleaned, washed with hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate and a cotton turunda is made. It is generously soaked in Vishnevsky ointment, after which the cotton wool is attached to the wound.
Prevention of lameness
Treatment of cattle often involves large financial expenses, so it is easier to prevent diseases of the joints and hooves. This is achieved through simple preventive measures:
- it is necessary to provide the cows with sanitary conditions - the bedding is changed in a timely manner and the stalls are cleaned;
- the hoof area is inspected from time to time, checked for moisture levels and cleaned;
- Periodically, the stratum corneum of the hoof must be cut off if it grows too long;
- Cattle feed is provided with high-quality feed, preferably with vitamin supplements (prevention of bursitis);
- the floor surface should ideally be covered with rubber mats;
- sometimes it is necessary to make special baths for cattle hooves (a solution of 10% zinc once every 10 days, which is poured to a height of 25 cm, is suitable as a filling).
Conclusion
If a cow is limping on her hind leg, it is necessary to urgently consult a veterinarian, since there can be many reasons for this phenomenon. Self-diagnosis is complicated by the fact that the symptoms of many diseases of the legs and joints in cows are very similar.Incorrect treatment can only harm the sick animal. On the other hand, if the disease is neglected and treatment is delayed, full recovery may become impossible. In this case, the sick cow is sent to slaughter.
You can also learn more about what to do if a cow’s leg is swollen and she’s limping from the video below:
Hello. My cow suddenly, after grazing, began to limp on her hind leg. We examined the leg, there are no visible injuries, but the cow seems to be afraid to stand on her leg, stands and barely touches the tip of the hoof, looking back at the sore leg. On the third day, a type of swollen appearance appeared on her lower leg. veins. The first days I applied cold, on the second day I used DOLGIT ointment, there was no visible improvement. The cow has been sick for the third day. What should I do?