Van Amstel (large animal clinical sciences, U. of Tennessee) and Shearer (large animal clinical sciences, U. of Florida) offer veterinarians, animal/dairy scientists, commercial hoof trimmers, dairy farmers, and dairy health technicians a guide to the treatment and control of lameness, one of the single most important health problems in cattle. Following an introductory overview of the topic, the text addresses horn formation and growth; nutrition and claw health; biomechanics of weight/load bearing and claw trimming; laminitis; pain management; upper leg lameness; infectious claw diseases; cattle behavior, cow- friendly facilities, and proper handling; footbaths for the management of infectious skin disorders of the foot and hoof; and hoof knife sharpening. Illustrated throughout with b&w photographs and diagrams. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Lameness is one of the most costly diseases affecting cattle and cases are increasing as dairy cows spend more time confined to concrete instead of grassy pasture. The economic impact of lameness is significant. Preventive claw care is increasingly practiced in modern dairy farming and is now recognized as a necessary investment in herd health.
Manual for Treatment and Control of Lameness in Cattle includes:
* clear illustrations of anatomical features of the bovine foot
* detailed photographs of lesions
* discussion on the practical aspect of functional and corrective trimming
* references for veterinarians, animals/dairy scientists, commercial hoof trimmers, dairy farmers and dairy health technicians
