Page 16 - ACV Journal DECEMBER 2015

Scientific
“Some observations on blocks: I use either wooden blocks or rubber
blocks, but have not used cowslips for some time. The rubber blocks
almost show no wear on them, even after say 5 weeks. I am using
a soft wooden block as well as a hard wooden block. If the wooden
blocks do not wear evenly, due to either a poor placement of the
block, or the anatomy/angle of the toe, or the gait of the cow, it still
wears, and hopefully the good toe does not become lame due to
the presence of the block. I find the rubber blocks show little sign
of wear, so if they stay on the toe for a long period eg: 5-6 weeks,
the cow is more likely to become lame on the good toe. So my block
selection will depend on how long I think we need the damaged toe
elevated for.”
“We have the famous WOPA crushes (manual not hydraulic)
which are extremely useless. I don’t know who ever decided
to buy them, but by all means STAY AWAY FROM THEM.
Obviously, ideally, if money is not an issue you would get the
hydraulic lifting crush, allowing lifting both hind legs at the same
time… 45,000 AUD later …. Alternatively, I have used we had
a simple block and tackle system which was very practical,
and which I would recommend for all rural mixed practices…
more information from Shahab Ranjbar… the ultimate lameness
specialist…. The best block in the field has to be the Camden
Cow Clogs. Shahab was involved with developing the blocks.
They are made of hard wood eucalyptus.
They come in 2 sizes, made of hard wood, and last for 6
weeks. Camden cow clogs also supplies one of the best
glues to go with it, called Mini Moo, and according to my
experience far superior to Bovi-Bond and any other glue I
have tried. Still a bit tricky on a hot day… keep the glue in
a bucket of cold water in the summer… BTW I HATE cow
slips….they never fit … Most ulcers will only receive anti-
inflammatories (Tolfedine CS, ) and no antibiotics. We will
use procaine penicillin for footrot, interdigital dermatitis, and
locally applied tetracyclines for digital dermatitis (preferably
in a paste) All lame cows, and especially ulcers will only
receive anti-inflammatories (Tolfedine CS, ) Tips: Get some
good knives, preferred brand will be Aesculaap, broad trim
(They have broad and narrow trim), the broad is far easier to
sharpen, we sharpen according to Tristan Jubb workshop …
I have attached some pictures of digital dermatitis cases we
have recently found in SA.”
16 The Australian Cattle Veterinarian | volume 77 | December 2015
“Do not do large numbers of lame cows at any one time - they
are often the add on to a visit for something else. Make do with
whatever crush system is available. Lift leg by means of a soft
marine rope approx 5m in length. If a hind leg – attach the one
end with a sliding quick release knot above the hock. Ideally
would like to create a vertical pull upwards and lift the point of
hock to as close as a hand’s breadth below the pin bone. Always
bring the rope back around and under the hock and up again to
help support the leg. If restrained in this location the leg needs
no further restraint and the cow stands quietly with no thrashing
around. Similar type of restraint is achieved easily in a Wopa
foot trimming crush which is fantastic. When there is no suitable
overhead bar over which to throw the rope, one uses a side bar of
the crush as high as possible and then bring the rope back under
the hock and up to the opposite side of the crush. This keeps
the leg in straight alignment as opposed to being pulled off to
the side. Still aim to get point of hock as high as possible. More
wiggle factor present more cow will move leg around. Worth
spending a few extra minutes getting it right. I do not anchor
lower leg to side of crush.
Use cow slips but blocks often needed on front feet of Holsteins as
cow slips a bit narrow. Prefer cow slip – find glue guns a hassle.
Apart from foot rot (penicillin or oxytet) do not use much antibiotics
except when infection is deep and swelling significant above the
claw. Make the job easy – sharp hoof knives – the ‘swiss istor’
sharpener is brilliant ($40), quick and easy (a tip from a farrier) –
use this on the straight part of the blade and a chain sore file on the
curved bit. Have a light weight angle grinder with a sanding disc –
fine to medium grit. Useful for cleaning up sole to find small defects
that can lead to an abscess. NSAIDS – meloxicam, try to use as
much as possible.”
“For lame cows I did make a purchase a few years ago of a
Comfort Hoof Trimming Crush. The main advantage is that the
foot is presented at a better angle for trimming and was less than
half the price of a tipping crush. The main disadvantage is that
it is slower than I imagine a tipping crush would be. We have
used it for all different sized animals, including occasional big
bull. Haven’t used it for anything truly feral however as I doubt you
would be able to catch and restrain well enough. I have resorted
to GA instead on those occasions. If just doing 1 or 2 lame cows,
www.ava.com.au/cattle