Prevalence of sole haemorrhages and its correlation with subclinical and chronic laminitis in dairy cows
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Date
2007Author
Nguhiu-Mwangi, J
Mbithi, PMF
Wabachal, JK
Mbuthia, PG
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Prevalence and risk factors of laminitis were determined in 300 dairy cows from 29
zero-grazed and 3 pasture-grazed dairy farms in Nairobi and the peri-urban districts.
Lameness was assessed using a universally recognized locomotion scoring system.
Claws were examined and 1-2mm thick layer of the horn of the sole was trimmed-off to
further expose underlying lesions. Location of lesions on the under-side of the claws
was recorded corresponding to 6 universally recognized zones. Prevalence of
subclinical and chronic laminitis was 49.3% and 21 % respectively. While sole
haemorrhages were recorded in 82% of the 70.3% of the cows with laminitis (both
subclinical and chronic), it was nevertheless present in all the 49.3% of the cows with
subclinical phase of laminitis. Haemorrhages were categorized into 5 universally
recognized scores. Haemorrhages in zone 4 of the claw under-side were frequently
associated with subclinical laminitis while those in zones 2, 3 and 6 were frequently
associated with chronic laminitis. Slight to moderate (score 1 and 2) haemorrhages
were significantly correlated (X2 = 18.01, P< 0.0001) with subclinical laminitis. Moderate
to severe (score 2 and 3) haemorrhages were significantly correlated (X2 = 33.08,
p<O.0001) with chronic laminitis. Sole haemorrhage which is made clearer through horn
trimming can reliably be used to diagnose laminitis.
Citation
Bulletin of animal production in Africa(2007),55, 232-242Publisher
Department of clinical studies Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology