ClawCare

20/12/2024

ClawCare has been quiet for a while because of some major changes, but change is good!

We’re back with some exciting news to follow, so keep an eye out!

In the meantime, let’s keep it simple. Ultimately hoof trimming isn’t rocket science, just as this dairy farmer is showing us. Early lameness detection, attention to feet during milking and strategic timing of planned hoof trimming can make a huge difference on a dairy farm.

16/06/2024

🦶 Dairyland Hoof Care Steps 🦶

Step 1: All Claws
Clean dorsal wall, remove buckle
Measure 75 mm on dorsal wall, start where hoof wall is hard
Leave at least 6 mm of sole thickness at toe
Remove horn at toe, perpendicular to shin bone
Spare heel to maximize hoof angle (Goal: 75 mm of flat, stable surface)

Step 2: Outside Rear Claws
Verify outside heel height, correct as needed

Step 3: Model Claws
Model 2/3 (rear lateral, front medial claw)
Avoid modeling toe triangle, never remove axial wall
Thin out inside ridge and remove loose horn in heel

Step 4: Outside Rear Claws Only
Only if lameness and block are present
Lower heel starting at toe triangle when white line or sole ulcer lesions are present

Step 5: All Claws
If pain or temperature:
Block healthy claw
Remove loose horn
Thin and taper around lesions

for more information visit the Dairyland hoof care institute website:
https://www.dairylandhoofcare.com/

The feet used as an example in this post are cadaver feet used during an experiment, no live animals were used
🐄

02/06/2024

"The Dutch 5-step method" by Toussaint-Raven, 1971
This is probably the most known and used method by hoof trimmers, farmers, and veterinarians but some nuances are key to ensure a good result!

🔹 Step 1: Measuring & Trimming the First Claw (if needed and/or possible):
Start with the inner claw of the hind foot and the outer claw of the front foot.
Measure from where the claw goes hard, aiming for 7,5-9 cm in function of age, breed, environment, and breed of the cow (adapt to the animal's needs & environment).
Adjust measurements by 5 mm if starting from the hairline or trimming to a point.
Leave sufficient thickness in the sole to protect the corium, > 6mm is ideal.
Avoid over-trimming of the sole at any point, the sole should always remain hard in the tip and weight-bearing wall when pressed on with a hoof tester of solid finger strength.

🔹 Step 2: Matching Trimming on Opposing Claw (if needed and/or possible):
Repeat for the outer claw, leveling it with the inner claw IF POSSIBLE and/or NEEDED.

🔹 Step 3: ‘Dishing’/ Modeling Out the Claws:
Model out the inner parts of both claws to reduce weight-bearing on the sole ulcer site.
Ensure modeling doesn’t extend into the toe triangle to keep the axial wall intact.
Different types of models can be used in function of the needs of the animal

🛠 For routine checks and trims, these three steps are usually sufficient unless a problem is found. Proceed to steps 4 and 5 if there are issues.

Always adapt your trimming method to the animal's needs and environment by using adaptive hoof trimming rather than following references blindly.

The pictures attached are from cadaver feet or live animals. They are used as an example and were trimmed by experienced hoof trimmers.

Next week we will talk about modifications that were applied to the Dutch method

26/05/2024

📚🔍 Dive into the latest findings from Thomas et al. (2015) on dairy cow lameness treatment protocols!

👣 Study Highlights: Lameness is a significant issue in dairy farming, with claw horn lesions being common. Thomas et al. conducted a randomized clinical trial to assess treatment effectiveness for newly lame cows with claw horn lesions.

🌟 Key Findings: Cows treated with a therapeutic trim, foot block on the sound claw, and NSAID had higher recovery rates compared to other treatments. This suggests that NSAID treatment enhances lameness cure alongside standard practices.

💡 Insights & Implications: The study challenges conventional wisdom, showing the importance of NSAID administration in addition to trimming and using foot blocks. These findings could revolutionize lameness treatment in the dairy industry, improving cow welfare and farm productivity.

🔬 Research Impact: Thomas et al.'s work underscores the need for evidence-based approaches in managing endemic diseases like lameness. By conducting rigorous clinical trials, we can develop effective treatment strategies and enhance dairy cow health.

📚 Conclusions: Dairy cows benefit from a comprehensive treatment approach involving trimming, foot blocks, and NSAIDs, even in cases of mild lameness. This study paves the way for future research to refine lameness treatment protocols and promote animal welfare.

👩‍🌾👨‍🔬 Stay tuned for more updates on advancing dairy cow health and management practices! 🌱🐮

Find the full article at http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2014-8982

19/05/2024

🔬 Study Spotlight: Let's dive into the insightful research by Ouweltjes et al. (2009), exploring the impact of different trimming methods and flooring types on dairy cow claw health and locomotion.

🐾 Key Insights: The study compared standard Dutch trimming with an alternative "concave" method, hypothesizing that the latter would be more beneficial for cows on soft floors. Surprisingly, no significant differences were found between the trimming methods in terms of claw health or locomotion traits. However, cows on rubber-topped floors exhibited fewer sole hemorrhages, spent more time standing, and showed higher activity levels.

🤔 Discussion: Despite expectations, the study found no interaction between flooring and trimming method. While soft floors seemed to offer subtle benefits for claw health and behavior, the trimming method did not significantly impact these factors. Interestingly, claw dimensions increased over time for all treatments, with cows on rubber-topped floors developing larger claws.

👣 Conclusions: Contrary to the hypothesis, the alternative trimming method did not outperform the standard Dutch method for cows on soft floors. However, cows on rubber-topped floors showed improved claw health and behavior. The study highlights the complex interplay between flooring, trimming methods, and dairy cow well-being, suggesting that further research is needed to optimize claw care practices.

📚 Discover More: Delve deeper into the full study by Ouweltjes et al. (2009) through the DOI: 10.3168/jds.2008-1559

12/05/2024

🐄 Digital Dermatitis Treatment: To Bandage or Not? 🩹

When it comes to treating digital dermatitis (DD) lesions in dairy cows, the use of bandages is a topic of debate among veterinarians and farmers. Let's explore the evidence for and against this practice.

🟢 For Bandaging: Proponents argue that bandaging helps create an optimal healing environment by protecting the lesion from external contaminants and promoting moisture retention. Studies like (Berry et al., 2012) have shown that bandaging, when combined with topical treatments like lincomycin or salicylic acid, can significantly reduce lesion size and pain scores.

🔴 Against Bandaging: On the flip side, critics highlight potential drawbacks of bandaging. Some studies (Chiba et al., 2017) suggest that bandages may trap moisture, leading to prolonged exposure to bacteria and exacerbating the infection. Additionally, bandages can be cumbersome to apply and may cause discomfort to the cow.

🔍 Evidence Summary: While bandaging has shown promising results in promoting healing and reducing pain associated with DD lesions (Holzhauer et al., 2017), it's essential to consider individual farm circumstances and lesion severity. Regular monitoring and assessment of the cow's comfort are crucial when using bandages to ensure they are benefiting rather than hindering the healing process.

In conclusion, the decision to use bandages on DD lesions should be based on a thorough evaluation of the available evidence, consultation with a veterinarian, and consideration of practical factors on the farm. By weighing the pros and cons carefully, farmers can make informed decisions to optimize the health and welfare of their dairy herd. 🐮💊

28/04/2024

🐄 EDPET: Early detection & prompt effective treatment of lameness in dairy cows in addition of routine preventive hoof trimming.

Check out our reels to see if you can spot lameness at an early stage in dairy cows!

🔍 Early Detection = Better Results: Prompt treatment within 3 to 48 hours post-lameness scoring led to higher cure rates among cows. Early intervention is key to preventing chronic issues!

👣 Primary Lesions: Sole haemorrhage & digital dermatitis were the main culprits. Identifying these early can prevent further complications.

🌱 Herd Welfare Matters: Regular lameness scoring not only improves individual cow health but also uplifts overall herd welfare.

🥛 Conclusions: Employing a 2-weekly scoring routine alongside prompt treatment resulted in higher recovery rates and decreased the severity of lesions. Regular scoring combined with early, competent treatment within 3 to 48 hours can significantly reduce lameness prevalence on dairy farms. This emphasizes the importance of proactive management practices for better animal welfare and farm sustainability.

The picture above is an example of treatment at an early stage.

Groenevelt et al. 2014
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.05.017

21/04/2024

🐄 Claw Horn Disruption Lesions (CHDL): Insights into the etiopathogenesis of CHDL (sole hemorrhage, sole ulcer, and white line disease) in dairy cattle highlight their association with bone development on the caudal aspect of the distal phalanx.

👣 Bone Development and Locomotion: The study reveals a link between bone development and lameness from CHDL throughout a cow’s life. Older cows with a history of lameness exhibit greater bone development, indicating potential irreparable anatomical damage.

✨ Implications for Lameness Management: Early detection and effective treatment of CHDL are crucial to prevent irreparable foot damage. Understanding the association between lameness and bone development could inform targeted prevention strategies.

For a comprehensive understanding of the study by Newsome et al. (2015), delve into the full research article.
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-10202

14/04/2024

🐄 Computed Tomography Insights: Findings from CT scans of bovine claws suggest that a dorsal wall length of 75 mm might not suit all claws, potentially causing mechanical damage due to sharp forward rotation of the distal phalanx.

👣 Sole Thickness Findings: Optimal sole thickness requires specific dorsal wall lengths. A length of 73 mm maintains a sole thickness of over 5 mm, while 79 mm is needed for a protective thickness of 7 mm.

✂️ Functional Trimming Recommendations: To ensure healthy bovine claws, trimming guidelines should consider factors like inner/outer claws and age-related changes, prompting adjustments to current trimming practices.

For more detailed insights, dive into the full research article by Tsuka et al. (2014).
http://dx.doi.org/10.3168/jds.2014-8131

07/04/2024

Something new for 2024!

💡 Every week we will highlight hoof health or lameness-related research. The source will be available at the bottom of the post (practical tip: do a DOI search to find the full article).

🦶 Impact of Hoof Trimming:
1. Lameness incidence was notably lower in hoof-trimmed cows, indicating the preventive benefits of the Dutch five-step trimming method.
2. The prevalence of hoof lesions was reduced in trimmed cows, particularly in grazing herds, suggesting improved hoof health with trimming interventions.
3. Factors like body condition score and hock condition influenced the risk of hoof lesions, emphasizing the importance of overall cow health in lameness prevention.

🔍 Key Insights:
1. Early and late-lactation (eg. dry-off trim) hoof trimming significantly lowered lameness incidence and prevalence of hoof lesions in dairy cows.
2. Factors like body condition, presence of lesions, and farm management practices play crucial roles in lameness risk.
3. Hoof trimming emerges as a valuable preventive strategy, but holistic approaches addressing cow health and farm management are essential for effective lameness management.

Preventive Hoof Trimming and Animal-Based Welfare Measures Influence the Time to First Lameness Event and Hoof Lesion Prevalence in Dairy Cows - Sadiq et al. 2021

doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.631844

07/02/2024

🇧🇪 Vlaamse melkveehouders die samenkomen om praktijkervaringen en uitdagingen met elkaar te delen op vlak van klauwgezondheid en klauwverzorging.

Elk bedrijf heeft uitdagingen en door deze met elkaar te delen, worden en praktische oplossingen en ervaringen met elkaar gedeeld.

Onder het motto: “alleen ga je snel, samen ga je verder!”

Deze reeks praktijkdagen wordt samen met .be georganiseerd.

Bedankt aan de familie Cobbaert voor het openstellen van hun bedrijf en de medewerking van de koeien.

🇬🇧🇺🇸Bringing dairy farmers together so they can share challenges and experiences in lameness prevention and hoof health is what it is all about!

Every farm has its challenges, sharing experiences and insights helps dairy farmers move forward.

“Alone you go fast, together you go further”

17/01/2024

🇧🇪 Met zeer veel tevredenheid kijk ik terug naar deze praktijkdag waarbij we samen met MmmooOgle en KoeConsult een 40’tal deelnemers hebben ontvangen op het melkveebedrijf van Patrick & Caroline, tevens ook Farm Fun locatie in Bocholt!

Goderis Cowcompany was als partner binnen het ClawCare project weer van de partij. In traditionele stijl vatten ze het weer mooi samen!

Binnenkort volgt er een hele reeks praktijkworkshops in samenwerking met Boerenbond zodat de Vlaamse melkveehouders de laatste inzichten op vlak van klauwgezondheid en klauwverzorging meekrijgen!

Onder het motto: “Alleen ga je snel, samen ga je verder!”

🇺🇸🇬🇧 Proudly looking back at this nice cooperation with MmmooOgle, Koe Consult and the SaveCows Network!

Reach out if you would like to organise a similar event in your country to get access to the latest insights in dairy cow lameness prevention and hoof trimming!

"Cows, like women, love to walk on high heels." Het is een van de vele oneliners van de Amerikaanse klauwverzorgingsspecialist Karl Burgi. De gelijkenis met de menselijke pedicure ligt voor de hand, maar hij vergelijkt de klauwverzorging ook met het kappersvak. In ieder geval is dit specialistenwerk...

07/01/2024

🇧🇪 2024 goed inzetten met een nieuwjaarsreceptie met een voorafgaande praktijksessie!
Een leuke praktische dag waarbij collegialiteit en delen van kennis en ervaring centraal stond. Onder het motto “alleen ga je snel, samen ga je verder”
De dag werd afgesloten met een vergadering om een Belgische Klauwverzorgersvereniging op te richten.
Binnenkort meer info over deze nieuwe vereniging.

🇺🇸🇬🇧 kicking off 2024 with a new year’s reception and a practical hoof trimming day with hoof trimmers and veterinarians at the faculty of veterinary medicine.

We finished the day with a meeting where we established the Belgian hoof trimmer association. More info soon about this new association.
Great to share experience and knowledge with likeminded individuals: “Alone you go fast, together you go further”

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23/12/2023

🇧🇪 Teentopnecrose (TTN) en andere klauwtip letsels zijn vaak de ergernis van vele veehouders en klauwverzorgers met steeds dezelfde opmerking: "deze letsels krijgen we maar niet genezen".

Deze letsels kunnen wel degelijk genezen maar vereisen wel wat kennis en de nodige nabehandeling. Alles begint met geleidingsanesthesie van het lidmaat om pijnloos deze letsels grondig te curreteren, dit vereist wel dierenarts. Nadien een correct aangebracht klauwverband en ondersteunende pijnstilling (NSAID).

Na 2 tot.3 hercontroles zijn deze letsels vaak volledig overgroeid met gezonde hoorn en is het defect en bijhorende infectie verholpen.

De foto's in deze post zijn 2 gevallen van TTN met telkens 4 tot 6 weken tussen.

Veehouders die op zoek zijn naar 2e lijn curatieve klauwverzorging of advies omtrent teentopnecrose kunnen op onze pagina de contactgegevens vinden van het ClawCare Research Team!

🇺🇸🇬🇧 Toe tip necrosis and other toe lesions are challenging lesions to manage for hoof trimmers and dairy farmers.

these lesions heal quite well but they require some additional help from a veterinarian. Everything starts with the use of a nerve block to facilitate surgical debridement, which needs to be performed with or assisted by a veterinarian.
Combined with the correct topicale product under a good wrap (a lot of synthetic cotton and pressure) a block and painkillers, these lesions heal well.

However, they do require 2 or 3 rechecks by a trimmer or the farmer to ensure healing is going the right way.

the feet in these post have 4 to 6 week recheck in between.

Trimmers or vets interested in learning on how to deal with lesions like these, you can find the contact details on our facebookpage!