Dairy Claw Lesion Identification

To assist in the accurate and consistent identification of lesions, a poster was developed through the combined effort of Zinpro Corporation, and the International Lameness Committee, a collaboration of researchers, veterinarians, academics and hoof trimming professionals from around the world. Key components of that poster are reproduced below.

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To obtain a copy of the original poster in either of 2 sizes click here.

To download a portable document format (pdf) version from the Summer 2009 issue of Dairyman's Digest, click here.



Lesion descriptions refer to the claw zones normally affected by each type of lesion. Claw zones are indicated in the illustrations on the right. These illustrations are provided courtesy of Zinpro Corporation.

Click here to use an interactive tool for identifying specific lesions and determining ways to prevent and treat them.

 

Non-Infectious Lesions

Infectious Lesions

White Line Lesion (W) Digital Dermatitis (D)
Sole Ulcer (U) Heel Erosion (E)
Sole Hemorrhage (H) Interdigital Dermatitis (I)
Toe Ulcer (T) Foot Rot, Foul or Phlegmon (F)
Corkscrew Claw (C)  
Horizontal Fissure or Hardship Groove (G)  
Vertical Fissure (V)  
Axial Fissure (X)  
Interdigital Hyperplasia (K)  
Thin Sole (Z)  

 

Non-Infectious Lesions

White Line Lesion (W)

Also called: White Line Separation, White Line Disease
Zones Affected: 1, 2, 3
Common signs:
· In mild cases, a void occurs in the junction between the sole and the wall
· In severe cases, abscesses form, generally at the heel-sole-wall juncture (zone 3)

Sole Ulcer (U)

Also called: Pododermatitis
Circumscripta, Rusterholz Disease
Zone Affected: 4
Common signs:
· Raw sore (horn erosive defect) occurring at sole-heel junction on inner side of outside hind claw
· Often occurs in both outside hind claws (when present)

Sole Hemorrhage (H)

Also called: Sole Bruising
Zones Affected: 4, 5, 6
Common signs:
· Slight to significant red (or blue) coloration of the sole
· Not to be confused with natural black pigmentation of claw horn

Toe Ulcer (T)

Also called: Toe Necrosis, Apicalis Necrotica
Zone Affected: 1
Common signs:
· Black mark, blood stain and/or rupture in white line or sole at the toe
· Caused by rotation of pedal bone within the claw pressing down on the sole or thin soles

Corkscrew Claw (C)

Zone Affected: 7
Common signs:
· Rapid irregular growth of the claw with rotation
· Sole displaced inward and toward the rear
· Causes difficulty walking

Horizontal Fissure or Hardship Groove (G)

Also called: Horizontal Wall Fissure, Fissura Ungulae Transversalis
Zones Affected: 7, 8
Common signs:
· Claw wall parallel to the hair-line cracks and eventually breaks off
· Caused by nutritional or metabolic stress

Vertical Fissure (V)

Also called: Sandcrack, Fissura Ungulae Longitudinalis
Zones Affected: 7, 8
Common signs:
· Vertical split in front or side of claw
· Occurs primarily on outside front claws
· Often the most painful cause of lameness

Axial Fissure (X)

Also called: Axial Wall Fissure
Zones Affected: 11,12
Common signs:
· Deep groove on interior surface of claw wall parallel to front claw surface
· Bleeding may indicate lesion presence
· Mild to severe lameness

Interdigital Hyperplasia (K)

Also called: Corn, Interdigital Fibroma, Interdigital Growth
Zone Affected: 0
Common signs:
· Rapid growth of skin and/or tissue between the digits, forming a firm mass
· Secondary infection likely with severe (large) lesion

Thin Sole (Z)

Zones Affected: 4, 5
Common signs:
· Sole is thin and flexible when pressure is applied
· Caused by insufficient length of toe, excessive wear or over trimming
· Minimum claw length of 3 inches (7.5 cm) does not apply to heifers or animals that weigh less than 900 lb (400 kg)

Infectious Lesions

Digital Dermatitis (D)

Also called: Hairy Heel Warts, Mortellaro Disease
Zones Affected: 9, 10
Common signs:
· Raw, bright-red or black circular growth above the heel bulbs, with edges forming a white opaque ring or hard, thin, hairy, wart-like growths or sores
· Affected cattle are reluctant to walk or are lame

Heel Erosion (E)

Zone Affected: 6
Common signs:
· Severe erosion of heel in irregular pit-like depressions or “v” shaped grooves causing lameness
· Instability of the claw due to lost or damaged horn resulting in uneven weight bearing
· Heel becomes sore as erosion progresses

Interdigital Dermatitis (I)

Also called: Stable Foot Rot, Scald
Zones Affected: 0, 10
Common signs:
· Discharge and destruction of skin between the claws
· Bulb horn clefts leading to contusion of the corium and ulceration

Foot Rot, Foul or Phlegmon (F)

Also called: Interdigital Phlegmon, Interdigital Necrobacillosis
Zone Affected: 9
Common signs:
· Swelling of the entire foot (equally) including the dew claws
· Separation of digits, infection produces a noticeable foul odor
· Animals will likely have a fever