Treating Laminitis In Dairy Cows

Laminitis has been described in many species but is most common in equine and bovine.

Treating laminitis in dairy cows.

Injectable diphenhydramine 0 5 to 1 0 mg kg iv im. Laminitic lesions of the claw are not always a result of poor feeding practices. The greek name of the disease kritiasis relates to overfeeding of barley. The first priority he says is to determine of the animal is down but alert or moribund.

Treatment for subclinical laminitis is impractical because diagnosis in an individual animal is not possible at the time of the causative insult s. Nsaid non steroidal anti inflammatory drug injectable ketoprofen 2 to 4 mg kg im iv. Controlling subclinical laminitis see laminitis in cattle in a high production intensively managed dairy herd requires a systematic epidemiologic study. Though there is no effective treatment for laminitis edwards says consistent bunk management and using adequate step up rations can help prevent it.

Edwards also spoke about downed cattle. Lameness in dairy cows may be due to infectious diseases or disruptions of normal claw growth. Correct grain overload keeping the animal moving and the claws cool. The greeks aristotle associated equine laminitis with indigestion.

Although bovine laminitis is most common in dairy cows it has been reported in all ages and sexes. Antihistamines may be useful e g. Proper foot trimming is essential to prevent and manage claw problems.