Comparison of topical application of three products for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cattle.
OBJECTIVE
To test the effectiveness of 3 topical sprays for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) in dairy cattle.


METHODS
Prospective field trial.


METHODS
48 lactating cows with PDD randomly assigned to 4 groups of 12 cows each.


METHODS
For 3 weeks, cows in each group were treated topically with oxytetracycline solution (100 mg/ ml), acidified ionized copper solution, acidified sodium chlorite solution, or a placebo (tap water). Cows were milked 3 times daily, and at each milking, lesions were washed with a pressure hose and treatment solutions were sprayed on the lesions. Degree of lameness was graded before and after 3 weeks of treatment.


RESULTS
Mean lameness score decreased (ie, cows were less lame) for all 3 treatment groups, but increased for the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Daily application of topical solutions was effective in decreasing degree of lameness associated with PDD in cattle tested.
Britt
J S
JS
Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706-1102, USA.
Gaska
J
J
Garrett
E F
EF
Konkle
D
D
Mealy
M
M
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000336:Aerosols; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002712:Chlorides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003300:Copper / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary; D006724:Hoof and Claw; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007774:Lactation; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D010118:Oxytetracycline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012996:Solutions
D000336:Aerosols; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002712:Chlorides; D012996:Solutions; D003300:Copper; D010118:Oxytetracycline; C001599:chlorite