Review of guidelines for functional claw trimming and therapeutic approach to claw horn lesions in cattle

Abstract

Lameness is one of the most pressing health and welfare problems in cattle, especially on dairy farms. The most common cause of lameness is claw pathology, often due to lack of appropriate functional claw trimming. Functional claw trimming restores the physiological shape of the claws, distributes weight properly between the claws and over the claw weight-bearing surface. It also allows closer examination of the claws for early signs of pathology. The methods of functional claw trimming described in the previous century are still applicable today, considering some recent findings on the subject. It is essential not to over-trim the claws and to maintain strict hygiene of the trimming tools. Claw horn pathology in the early stages is usually treated effectively by therapeutic claw trimming alone. The stoic nature of cattle and their natural tendency to hide pain often result in delayed treatment of claw diseases, leading to more advanced stages of disease/pathology associated with higher-grade lameness. This situation often leads to the development of neuropathic pain and hyperalgesia requiring multimodal treatment. Because claw horn diseases are multifactorial, veterinarians and others involved in animal management must be familiar with the preventive measures available to improve claw health in a cattle herd. Further research to improve claw horn quality and effectively control/prevent claw infections without polluting the environment or negatively affecting worker and animal health is still needed. This article reviews the latest knowledge on functional claw trimming and treatment of the most common claw horn diseases in cattle.

An abattoir study of the prevalence of foot lesions and claw measurements in water buffalo in Egypt

“…Routine claw trimming has been established as a component of a lameness prevention plan for dairy cattle herds [17][18][19][20], with 82.4% of dairy farmers practicing routine trimming in the UK [21]. Functional claw trimming reduces the risk of lameness development by improving foot balance between the lateral and medial claws, increasing the contact area with the ground [22], resulting in improved grip [23], and reducing external weight from the typical sole ulcer site at the axial sole [17,24]. It also contributes to the early detection and treatment of subclinical claw lesions before they develop into clinical lameness [19].…”

Estimation of genetic parameters of claw formation in Holstein and Slovak Spotted cattle

“…The most commonly used approach is the so-called 5-step "Dutch" method (Sadiq et al, 2020). Claw trimming is important for even weight distribution over the contact claw area (Vidmar et al, 2021). Although various studies e.g Burgi et al (2017) recommend claw trimming several times a year, most farmers perform claw trimming at least once a year.…”