Surgical Diseases and Techniques of the Digit

Claw diseases in cattle are common under field conditions. Sole ulcer, sole abscess, foot-rot, digital dermatitis, and interdigital dermatitis are frequently diagnosed and treated by owners, foot trimmers, and veterinarians. Most digital surgical conditions are manageable in field conditions; however, some postoperative care is more demanding and, therefore, prevents some veterinarians from performing such techniques in field conditions. Even if most techniques are easy to perform, nevertheless surgical decision making, perioperative treatment, and pain management can be more challenging than the technique itself.