Torn hoof

[HanknCali]

One of our cows has a pretty good tear to her rear hoof. She's been limping for a couple of days and today i was able to get close to her and snap a pic. No idea how this occurred. We are considering running her through the squeeze to get a better look. Depending on how deep the tear goes I was thinking either trim off the flap or file it down, clean and put some wound coat and cover with gorilla tape. Any other suggestions or ways to treat? Possibly just leave it alone?
Thank you
Jeff

 

[Buck Randall]

Cutting off the flap and cleaning it up is a good plan. Wound coat won't hurt, but probably isn't going to make any difference. Don't wrap it or cover it with tape - the bandage actually just creates a better environment for bacterial growth. Leave it open to air and try to keep her somewhere dry.

If she's not better in a couple weeks or it seems like it's getting worse, you'll need a professional hoof trimmer or a veterinarian.