Treating Laminitis In Dairy Cows

The functional approach to claw trimming allows for correction of claw problems.

Treating laminitis in dairy cows.

Laminitis has been described in many species but is most common in equine and bovine. Controlling subclinical laminitis see laminitis in cattle in a high production intensively managed dairy herd requires a systematic epidemiologic study. The first priority he says is to determine of the animal is down but alert or moribund. The greeks aristotle associated equine laminitis with indigestion.

Although bovine laminitis is most common in dairy cows it has been reported in all ages and sexes. Injectable diphenhydramine 0 5 to 1 0 mg kg iv im. The greek name of the disease kritiasis relates to overfeeding of barley. Treatment for subclinical laminitis is impractical because diagnosis in an individual animal is not possible at the time of the causative insult s.

Rations that lead to acidosis are followed by laminitis but this is difficult to manage when the largest percentage of diets for dairy cattle contain carbohydrates. Correct grain overload keeping the animal moving and the claws cool. Nsaid non steroidal anti inflammatory drug injectable ketoprofen 2 to 4 mg kg im iv. To feed carbohydrates correctly fiber levels must be measured using neutral detergent fiber ndf and acid detergent fiber adf values.

Proper foot trimming is essential to prevent and manage claw problems. Though there is no effective treatment for laminitis edwards says consistent bunk management and using adequate step up rations can help prevent it. Antihistamines may be useful e g.