Non-Infectious & Infectious Hoof Lesions

E: info@dairyhoofcareinstitute.ac.nz

Hoof Lesion ID

Non-Infectious Lesions

White Line Lesion (W)

Also called: White Line Separation,

White Line Disease

Zones Affected: 1, 2, 3

Common signs:

• In mild cases, a void occurs in the junction between the sole and the wall
• In severe cases, abscesses form, generally at the heel-sole-wall juncture (zone 3)

SOLE ULCER (U):

Sole Ulcer (U)

Also called: Pododermatitis

Circumscripta, Rusterholz Disease

Zone Affected: 4

Common signs:

• Raw sore (horn erosive defect) occurring at sole-heel junction on inner side of outside hind claw

• Often occurs in both outside hind claws (when present)

SOLE HEMORRHAGE (H):

Sole Hemorrhage (H)

Also called: Sole Bruising

Zones Affected: 4, 5, 6

Common signs:

• Slight to significant red (or blue) coloration of the sole

• Not to be confused with natural black pigmentation of claw horn

TOE ULCER (T):

Toe Ulcer (T)

Also called: Toe Necrosis,

Apicalis Necrotica

Zone Affected: 1

Common signs:

• Black mark, blood stain and/or rupture in white line or sole at the toe

• Caused by rotation of pedal bone within the claw pressing down on the sole or thin soles

HORIZONTAL FISSURE OR HARDSHIP  GROOVE ULCER (G):

Horizontal Fissure or Hardship Groove (G)

Also called: Horizontal Wall Fissure,

Fissura Ungulae Transversalis

Zones Affected: 7, 8

Common signs:

• Claw wall parallel to the hair-line cracks and eventually breaks off

• Caused by nutritional or metabolic stress

VERTICAL FISSURE (V):

Vertical Fissure (V)

Also called: Sandcrack,

Fissura Ungulae Longitudinalis

Zones Affected: 7, 8

Common signs:

• Vertical split in front or side of claw

• Occurs primarily on outside front claws

• Often the most painful cause of lameness

Infectious Lesions

Digital Dermatitis (D):

Digital Dermatitis (D)

Also called: Hairy Heel Warts, Mortellaro Disease

Zones Affected: 9, 10

Common signs:

• Raw, bright-red or black circular growth above the heel bulbs, with edges forming a white opaque ring or hard, thin, hairy, wart-like growths or sores

• Affected cattle are reluctant to walk or are lame

FOOT ROT, FOUL OR PHLEGMON (F):

Foot Rot, Foul or Phlegmon (F)

Also called: Interdigital Phlegmon,

Interdigital Necrobacillosis

Zone Affected: 9

Common signs:

• Swelling of the entire foot (equally) including the dew claws

• Separation of digits, infection produces a noticeable foul odor
• Animals will likely have a fever

HEEL EROSION (E):

Heel Erosion (E)

Zone Affected: 6

Common signs:

• Severe erosion of heel in irregular pit-like depressions or “v” shaped grooves causing lameness

• Instability of the claw due to lost or damaged horn resulting in uneven weight bearing

• Heel becomes sore as erosion progresses