title: Advances in surgical treatment of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle: a review.
abstract: This review describes the indications for surgical treatment of distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ) infection in cattle and presents an overview of former surgical methods that have been modified for current use, including arthrotomy, resection of the distal sesamoid bone, resection of the DIJ and digital amputation. The post-operative life span, reasons for culling, pros and cons of claw-preserving techniques versus digital amputation, and pain management in general are also discussed. It would appear that severe claw diseases that result in septic arthritis of the DIJ do not necessarily lead to a reduced life span if cows are adequately treated and thorough aftercare is provided.
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, D-30173 Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heppelmann
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kofler
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rehage
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Starke
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*