A Case-Series Report on The Use of a Salicylic Acid Bandage as a Non-Antibiotic Treatment for Early Detected, Non-Complicated Interdigital Phlegmon in Dairy Cows

Abstract

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.

Clinical Efficacy of a Single Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion with Marbofloxacin versus Ceftiofur Sodium to Treat Acute Interdigital Phlegmon in Dairy Cows

“…To reduce the use of antimicrobial drug, one case-series report in dairy cows evaluated the effect of a salicylic acid claw bandage in the treatment of early-detected, noncomplicated IP [41]. The advantages of this topical treatment could include reduced risk of antimicrobial resistance, no injections, cheaper treatment costs and no withdrawal time for milk.…”

Digital Dermatitis in Dairy Cattle Is Still a Serious Problem in Western Europe

“…Within 3-5 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 [32].…”

Lameness in Cattle—Etiopathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment

“…It should be initiated as soon as possible to avoid advancement of the disease. In the acute treatment process, some veterinarians [ 86 ] use benzylpenicillin as a first-line drug for three days or long-acting benzylpenicillin in a single injection. Penicillin treatment is used in many cases, and according to field data it is effective.…”

“…The use of broad-spectrum drugs has currently become widespread among veterinarians, mainly next generation cephalosporins, as drugs without a withdrawal period for milk. Nevertheless, in the face of growing antibiotic resistance, the use of systemic treatment does not always seem to be justified [ 86 ]. The Swedish researchers cited observations that a local dressing with salicylic acid can be used in the early stages of paronychia.…”