Abstract
Simple SummaryInterdigital phlegmon (IP) is a common and economically important cause of acute lameness in cattle. It is most often treated with antibiotics. To reduce the use of antibiotics, we wanted to evaluate the effect of treatment with a salicylic acid bandage of the hoof of early-detected IP in dairy cows. We found that treatment by farmers of mild IP with salicylic acid was generally satisfactory. Within three to five days, treated cows responded with reduced lameness, lower body temperature, decreased swelling, and an improved general condition compared with the day when the treatment started. The salicylic acid bandage therefore showed the potential to be an attractive alternative in the treatment of early detected, non-complicated IP. The benefits of using salicylic acid instead of antibiotics include reduced risk of antimicrobial resistance, no painful injections of antibiotics, cheaper treatment costs, and no withdrawal of milk. However, it is important that the diagnosis is correct and that other claw disorders and complications are identified and treated promptly.Interdigital phlegmon (IP) is an important cause of lameness in cattle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment effect of a salicylic acid bandage in the interdigital space in dairy cows with early detected IP. Dairy cows (n = 109) with IP diagnosed and treated by the farmer were included in the study. On day 0, the rectal temperature, general condition, coronary circumference, and lameness score were recorded. The cow was immobilized in a trimming chute and the interdigital space was cleaned and inspected. For treatment, 1–2 tablespoons of 100% salicylic acid powder were applied into the interdigital space followed by bandaging of the hoof. On days 1–2 and days 3–5, the rectal temperature, the general condition, and the lameness score were recorded. On days 3–5, the cow was restrained, the bandage was taken off, and the coronary circumference was recorded again. Treatment of IP with salicylic acid gave a satisfactory treatment result. Within three–five days, treated cows responded with reduced lameness, lower body temperature, decreased coronary swelling, and an improved general condition compared to the day when the treatment started. Salicylic acid therefore proved to be an alternative in the treatment of early-detected non-complicated IP.
Highlights
Interdigital phlegmon (IP, foot rot, foul-in-the-foot) is a common and economically-important [1]infectious cause of acute lameness in dairy cattle, especially in loose-housed cattle, or cattle on pasture.Outbreaks are often seen when animals are moved or traded, e.g., when new herds are established.beef cattle and fattening bulls can be affected; up to 36% of fattening bull calves were treated in a Swedish herd outbreak [2]
Fusobacterium necrophorum is susceptible to penicillin and there are no signs of emerging antibiotic resistance according to a Swedish surveillance of cows with clinical IP, where all isolates had a MIC of penicillin ≤0.06 mg/L [5]
For dairy cows with early detected interdigital phlegmon, treatment with a salicylic acid bandage resulted in reduced body temperature, improved general condition, less lameness, and reduced coronary circumference within five days of treatment
Summary
Beef cattle and fattening bulls can be affected; up to 36% of fattening bull calves were treated in a Swedish herd outbreak [2]. The veterinary treatment incidence for IP in Sweden is
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