Efficacy of oxytetracycline for treatment of papillomatous digital dermatitis lesions on various anatomic locations in dairy cows.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate efficacy of topical treatment with oxytetracycline solution among dairy cows with papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) lesions on the interdigital cleft, heels, or dewclaw.


METHODS
Clinical trial.


METHODS
70 dairy cows from a single herd.


METHODS
On the basis of anatomic location of PDD lesions, cows were allocated into 1 of 3 groups (interdigital cleft [n = 14], heels [30], or dewclaw [26]) and treated topically with oxytetracycline solution. Cows were examined 14 and 30 days after initial treatment. During each examination, pain and lesion size scores were recorded.


RESULTS
On the basis of pain and lesion size scores, oxytetracycline appeared significantly less effective among cows with lesions on the interdigital cleft than for cows with lesions on the heels or the dewclaw. Number of cows with signs of pain or visible lesions after treatment was significantly higher for cows with lesions on the interdigital cleft than for cows with lesions on heels or the dewclaw.


CONCLUSIONS
Anatomic location of PDD lesions has an effect on the efficacy of topical treatment with oxytetracycline solution in dairy cows affected with PDD. Cows with lesions on the interdigital cleft were less likely to respond to treatment, compared with cows with lesions on the heels or the dewclaw.
Hernandez
J
J
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610-0136, USA.
Shearer
J K
JK
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006724:Hoof and Claw; D010118:Oxytetracycline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010212:Papilloma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010118:Oxytetracycline