Hoof Troubles

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 4, 20 January 1937, Page 11

Hoof Troubles

RESULT OF THE WET Lameness Among Cows and Horses METHOD OF TREATMENT r^ofrrot firoUibles have by no means been confined to the sheepfaomer, as dairymen have been experiencing a simxlar trouble with a number of tbeir cows. .The wet weather in Hawke's Bay has been responsible for the development of a soreness, causing the afi'ected animals to go lame. .This is a trouble that should not be neglected and with simple attention it can be readily cleaned up. It is very necessary that the affected foot of the cow should be first thoroughly cleaned and all traces of dirt removed, states Mr. E. E. Elphick, Government veterinarian at Hastings. Where proud fleshi has been formed it should be got xid of by cutting away. Where a breaking out around th© hoofhead has taken place poulticing after , thorough cleaning should take place and kept up for three or four days. Wool saturated in a carbolic solution should be placed between the toes and covered with a T bandage, which wjll hold it securely in position. The whole foot can then be covered with a piece of sacking fastened with a strap, an old dog-collar being used -for this purpose. This is better to use than a piece of

roping which. is often convenient because of its handiness. Its detriment is that • when it becomes moist it tightens3 with the result that the foot will become swollen and cause the animal a good deal of pain. Hoof trouble due to the wet is also being suffered by some farm horses. The affected hoof should be pared and probably a weak centre will be found where puss has under-run the sole. This is frequently caused by dirt getting through an old nail hole. Poulticing with bran is very useful, and a helpful hint is to add a little- disinfectant in tho water used for making the poultiee. A farmer states that he has cleared up this trouble with his horse very quickly by injecting kerosene well into th© hoof with a pump oil-can