Field technique for the resection of the distal interphalangeal joint and proximal resection of the deep digital flexor tendon in cows

Abstract

A modified technique for the resection of the distal interphalangeal joint and the proximal resection of the deep digital flexor tendon in cows is described. Septic arthritis of the joint was diagnosed in eight Holstein cows and treated in the field. Four of the cows were diagnosed with ascending tendonitis during the resection of the joint and their tendons were also resected. All the animals remained moderately to severely lame for two weeks postoperatively but quickly recovered and were sound within five months. Eight months after the last surgery only one cow had been culled, 321 days after its surgery, for reproductive failure. The other seven cows had survived for a mean period of 308 days, with a range from 235 to 392 days.

Outcomes following facilitated ankylosis to treat septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in beef bulls

“…Fourteen of the 19 were reported to be successful breeders, achieving an owner-estimated pregnancy in at least 80% of exposed cows. Of the 5 bulls that were unsuccessful breeders, owners reported chronic lameness (2), inability to maintain routine hoof care (1), and/or the bull was sold for reasons unrelated to lameness (2). The owner median satisfaction rating for the FA procedure was 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, with a range of 3 to 5.…”

“…1,4 Overall, the average successful recovery following FA is 75%, with a mean survival of 18 months reported. 2,7,13,15,22 Currently, most reported literature is focused on the dairy industry, with few reports on beef cattle. The prevalence of lameness in beef animals at packing plants was 26.6% in cows and 36.3% in bulls in 1 study, 21 while another report described SA of the DIPJ with FA and digit amputation as treatments in 21 German beef breeding bulls with a mean body weight of 1854 lb (841 kg).…”

Review of digital anatomy, infectious causes of lameness, and regional intravenous perfusion in cattle

“…Surgical treatment includes arthrotomy, facilitated ankylosis, arthrodesis, or digit amputation. 19,37,38,57,61,84,97,106,145 Digit amputation can be performed utilizing a variety of different ways, but in a comparative study of 3 operative techniques amputation through the distal aspect of the first phalanx was preferable. 100 In a retrospective study of 85 cattle undergoing amputation of the digit, septic arthritis of the DIPJ was the most common indication for the procedure.…”