Abstract
A total of 160 dairy cows with no signs of systemic disease that were treated for an uncomplicated claw lesion with exposed corium were included in this study. The clinical findings of the orthopedic examination were compared with the biochemical profile. The cows with a mean age of 7.4 ± 2.6 years had an average milk yield of 6188 ± 1174 litres (data from previous lactation). Cows with the same or a higher milk yield than the herd average were over-represented (72%). Almost half (45%) of the cows were in the second half of their lactation when examined (5.9 ± 4.1 months). A total of 236 lesions were recorded. Twelve (7.5%) of the 160 cows had 3 or more lesions, 49 (30.6%) cows 2 lesions and 99 (61.9%) cows one lesion.The most common localisation of ulceration were at the outer hind claw at the typical site in the sole (62%) and in the wall (17%). The alterations of the exposed corium were either classified as slight (63%), moderate (22%) or severe (15%). Changes attributed to laminitis were observed in two thirds of all animals (subclinical 36%; clinical 30%). The concentration of glucose, cholesterin, LDH and urea was increased in one third of the animals. Phosphorus and magnesium concentrations were lower than the reference values in 43%, and 23% of the animals, respectively. Cows with a history of former claw lesions in a previous lactation, with laminitis, with more than one moderate to severe claw lesions and cows with acute lesions had higher urea concentrations than the respective control group. Blood levels for AST, bilirubin, creatin-kinase were higher and iron lower, respectively, in cows with moderate to severe claw lesions than in cows with mild lesions in only one claw. The fact that cows with more than one chronic claw lesion had a higher incidence of alterations in the blood chemical profile than cows with mild claw lesions in only one claw indicates that severe claw diseases occur concurrently with metabolic disorders or vice versa