AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Anne Murphy and Dr. Karin Orsel in this episode to discuss a common cause of lameness, digital dermatitis. Our guests start by describing this disease that was first identified in 1972 and has spread around the world. The disease is seen in most dairy farms in the U.S. as well as in feedlots and cow-calf operations. Even though the disease has been identified on many farms for many years, we do not know the exact mechanism of the disease or if the Treponema bacteria is the sole implicating factor in its development. There are several factors that lead to the development of the disease, such as creating the “right” environment for the bacteria to grow. Orsel discusses some of the challenges with vaccine development for preventing the disease as well as some genetic parameters within breeds that can influence the disease. Murphy discusses the importance of performing a full lameness exam to ensure veterinarians, hoof trimmers, and farm employees can correctly diagnose the cause of the lameness. Treatment for digital dermatitis typically involves a topical antibiotic such as tetracycline. Since this is extralabel use of an antibiotic, the veterinarian must prescribe the medication to the farm. Murphy also discusses the importance of foot baths and biosecurity measures to control and prevent the disease on farms.  

Our guests also discuss the resources available to AABP members on the Lameness Committee resource page. This includes a review of treatments available to treat digital dermatitis and the available scientific evidence to support their claims found here. Other resources can be found at this link,  then click on the Lameness Committee tab or Resources from another AABP committee.  

If you are interested in joining the Lameness Committee, or another AABP committee, please send an email to [email protected].  

Genetic parameters for hoof lesions and their relationship with feet and leg traits in Canadian Holstein cows.
N. Chapinal, A. Koeck, A. Sewalem, D.F. Kelton, S. Mason, G. Cramer, F. Miglior
Journal of Dairy Science, Volume 96, Issue 4, 2013.
https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2012-6071