Hoof Rot - General

As we move into September, we typically enter a time from with more rainfall. Depending on the year, flooding and prolonged periods of wet weather are more likely. Most of us are needing more moisture in our area but with the rain comes muddy lots and sometimes warm moist conditions can set up your livestock for hoof rot infections. Hoof rot can be a fungal or a bacterial infection depending on the specific organism. Catching this disease in the early stages is very important.

• Animals will be tender footed and will typically start limping on one leg.

• Treatment involves trimming feet and topically treating the hoof with copper tox, zinc,

  sulfate, or formaldehydes. You can make a walk- through footbath using 1 part

  formaldehydes and 19 parts water.

• In addition to topicals, you can use antibiotics to treat the disease systemically as well.

• L.A. 200 or 300 injections along with a single dose of Dexamethasone still works well in

  most cases.

  PRO TIP: Treating breeding stock during the breeding season can present problems for producers. Females are fine and will respond favorably to treatment; however, male breeding animals can have their sperm cell production reduced or stopped for long periods with aggressive antibiotics. Tetracyclines are not recommended here and penicillin is also harsher to sperm cell production. Short term use of zactran (my choice) is the most effective antibiotic with less impact on fertility. Draxxin and Nuflor also work with less impact on fertility. Remember to know your withdrawal periods and strictly follow guidelines for market animals. Thanks, and good luck with your stock!