Summary:
Medical records of 83 cattle, which had 1 or more digit amputations performed at Kansas State University and The Ohio State University veterinary hospitals between 1971 and 1990, were reviewed. Signalment, duration of lameness, prior treatment, digit involved, and pathologic condition were evaluated. Owners were contacted with regard to the animal's duration in the herd after amputation and reason for exiting the herd, level of production attained, and degree of lameness. The animal was judged to have a good, fair, or poor recovery on the basis of this information.
Septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint and resulting complications were the problems most frequently treated by digit amputation. Fifty-one percent of cattle undergoing digit amputation attained preamputation production levels for a minimum of 24 months. Approximately 30% of cattle undergoing digit amputation were culled for lameness, usually within 7 months of surgery. Cattle remaining in the herd more than 12 months after amputation were unlikely to be culled for lameness, indicating that long-term breakdown of supporting structures was uncommon. Likelihood of a good recovery decreased from 71.4% in cattle weighing ≤ 341 kg to 27.3% in cattle weighing ≥ 682 kg. Cattle undergoing amputation of a rear medial digit were more likely to recover well than those undergoing amputation of either front digit. The most frequently performed amputation was that of a rear lateral digit, but it was associated with the poorest recovery, possibly because of the disproportionate amount of stress placed on this digit. Cattle used for dairy and beef production had approximately equal chances of a good recovery from digit amputation. Duration of lameness prior to surgery and type of lesion did not influence recovery rates.
