# Analysis of Cattle Foot Lesions Recorded at Trimming in the Southwest of England

## TL;DR

This study analyzed foot lesions in cattle from southwest England and found digital dermatitis and white line disease to be the most common causes of lameness.

## Contribution

The study provides the first detailed analysis of foot lesion prevalence and patterns in cattle using a large dataset from professional trimmers.

## Key findings

- Digital dermatitis was the most common lesion (32%), followed by white line disease (21%).
- White line disease required the most veterinary attention and had the highest re-presentation rate.
- Hind feet and right feet were more commonly affected than left feet.

## Abstract

Lameness in cattle predominantly originates in the foot but is caused by several different conditions. By analysing 97,944 lesions recorded by professional foot trimmers examining cattle feet, we found that the most common lesion was digital dermatitis, followed by white line disease, then sole ulcer and sole haemorrhage. Most feet with lesions were hind feet and significantly more right feet were recorded with lesions than left feet. White line disease was the most severe lesion recorded and most often required repeated treatment. The pattern of foot lesions was similar in beef and dairy cattle. We suggest future efforts at preventing lameness focus on digital dermatitis and white line disease as the most common lesions.

Background: The UK has a high incidence of lameness in cattle, which is costly in terms of economics and welfare. Most causes of bovine lameness originate in the foot but there are several different conditions causing lameness. Quantifying the relative prevalence of different lameness causing lesions allows for the focus of preventative measures and research on the most common conditions. Methods: This study analysed trimming records from 23 professional foot trimmers working in the Southwest of England. A total of 97,944 recorded lesions over a 5-year period were analysed for lesion identity, lesion severity, repeat presentation, foot affected, claw affected and whether they were from dairy or beef cattle. Results: The most frequently recorded lesions were digital dermatitis (32%), white line disease (21%), sole ulcer (19%) and sole haemorrhage (13%). White line disease had the highest percentage of lesions requiring veterinary attention and most frequently re-presented. Most lesions were in hind feet and there was a small but significantly greater number recorded in right feet. Beef cattle had a higher percentage of digital dermatitis and lower percentage of sole ulcer compared with dairy cattle. Conclusions: Digital dermatitis was the most common foot lesion of all cattle types. Most feet with lesions only appeared in the data set once, suggesting broadly that foot trimming was largely effective at resolving new foot lesions. More white line lesions were re-presented, along with having more severe grades compared with other lesions. Therapeutic trimming of chronic lesions appeared to be less successful, with re-presentations, on average, every 93 days, compromising welfare for extended periods, and requiring consideration of different veterinary treatment options.