Can Cows Get Laminitis

The greeks aristotle associated equine laminitis with indigestion.

Can cows get laminitis.

Although bovine laminitis is most common in dairy cows it has been reported in all ages and sexes. A hoof that s hot for hours. Injectable diphenhydramine 0 5 to 1 0 mg kg iv im. The greek name of the disease kritiasis relates to overfeeding of barley.

A major difference between the two species is anatomic in that the lamellar laminar surface of the equine hoof is considerably more extensive than that of the. Once a horse has had an episode of laminitis they are particularly susceptible to future episodes. Although acute laminitis occurs in both species and can be caused by grain overload other etiologies can affect the equine laminae. In turn that horse can develop laminitis.

Laminitis is quite unlike any other equine disease. Equine and bovine laminitis are distinctly different. Before we can discuss laminitis we must first have a basic understanding of the anatomy of the hoof. At the very tip of the foot is the coffin bone the triangularly pointed bone labeled as c in the image above.

The terms laminitis and founder are used interchangeably. Correct grain overload keeping the animal moving and the claws cool. Laminitis is a complex cascade of events that causes the soft tissues laminae within the hoof to swell weaken and die. Laminitis is a crippling condition which can be fatal in severe cases.

Other sicknesses can lead to laminitis too such as cushing s disease. However founder usually refers to a chronic long term condition associated with rotation of the coffin bone whereas acute laminitis refers to symptoms associated with a sudden initial. Antihistamines may be useful e g. A strong digital pulse can indicate other foot pain as well but a bounding digital pulse in both feet is a major clue that laminitis is to blame.

Laminitis has been described in many species but is most common in equine and bovine. For instance a horse that doesn t deliver all the afterbirth may develop an infection. This is a serious case for young bulls that are being feed tested prior to sale more so than in dairy cows or feedlot steers heifers. Founder also called laminitis and bloat are also a result of this metabolic disorder.

Nsaid non steroidal anti inflammatory drug injectable ketoprofen 2 to 4 mg kg im iv. Founder often leaves cattle permanently lame. Laminitis can affect one or all feet but it is most often seen in the front feet concurrently. This can all occur before any symptoms are apparent and once the process has started it is extremely difficult to stop.

The coffin bone is secured to the hoof by a layer of interconnected sensitive laminae and insensitive laminae.