Prevalence of lesions associated with subclinical laminitis in first-lactation cows from herds with high milk production.
OBJECTIVE
To determine prevalence of lesions associated with subclinical laminitis in first-lactation Holstein cows during early lactation and pregnant Holstein heifers during late gestation in herds with high milk production.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
203 cattle in 13 herbs.


METHODS
Cattle were placed in lateral recumbency to allow visual examination and photography of their hooves. Claws on a forelimb and hind limb were examined on all cattle. Observable categories of lesions considered to be associated with subclinical laminitis in our study included yellow waxy discoloration of the sole, hemorrhage of the sole, separation of the white line, and erosion of the heel.


RESULTS
Lesions in at least 1 of the categories were found in all herds. Lesions in all categories were found in 11 of 13 herds. Among claws, hemorrhage of the sole was observed most frequently in the lateral claw of the hoof of the hind limb. When days in milk was treated as a covariate, significant (P < 0.01) differences were detected in the prevalence of lesions between herds.


CONCLUSIONS
Because the prevalence of lesions differed significantly among herds, it is logical to believe that causative factors and corrective measures also may have differed among herds.
Smilie
R H
RH
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210-1092, USA.
Hoblet
K H
KH
Weiss
W P
WP
Eastridge
M L
ML
Rings
D M
DM
Schnitkey
G L
GL
D000821:Animal Feed / Q000592:standards; D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000592:standards; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary; D006724:Hoof and Claw / Q000473:pathology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000662:veterinary; D007774:Lactation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D015995:Prevalence