Foot rot is a common disease that affects nearly all groups of cattle. Once started in a herd and "seeded" in the soil, it may persist for quite a long time. Cuts, bruises, puncture wounds, or severe abrasions permit bacteria to enter the tissue of the foot where they start an infection. Foot rot occurs during periods of extreme moisture, sudden freezing of muddy yards, or severe drought. The first observed sign of foot rot is lameness in one or more feet. Lameness caused by acute foot rot is followed by swelling of the foot, spreading of the toes, and reddening of the tissue above the hoof. In severe cases, the foot will abscess above the hoof with a discharge that has a characteristic foul odor. If the infection is not stopped, it will invade the deeper tissues of the foot and may invade one or more joints, causing chronic arthritis.
Research has indicated than when treatment was administered the first day, recovery was observed in 3 to 4 days. When delayed for 3 days, treatment was required again at 7 days, recovery was delayed for 10 to 12 days, and two animals required 30 to 45 days with multiple treatments to recover. Penicillin, oxytetracyclines (including the long-acting products such as LA200®), a number of the sulfa drugs, Ceftiofur (Naxcel®) and Florfenicol (Nuflor®) are some of the products used to treat foot rot. While you have the animal up, check the foot for foreign objects. If infection proceeds and infects the joints, arthritis may develop and claw amputation may be needed to correct the condition until the animal can be salvaged at slaughter.
