Ounces of Prevention

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Ironically, however, excess selenium can also cause abortion and, rarely, early neonatal death. Have a soil or feed sample analyzed to check the amount of selenium present. Blood samples from the cattle can also be analyzed for appropriate amounts of selenium and other essential trace minerals, but it appears that seasonal variations as well as lactation and life stages may affect accuracy.  

We have an ancient Toggenburg goat who has a terrible smelly foot. Is this foot rot, and if so, how do we get rid of the fungus?

-Shelley Marcus
Victor, ID

You don't often see foot rot in dairy goats, but it may occur in animals that spend much of their time in wet or unsanitary yards or barns, or those that stand on wet bedding consistently. The usual first symptoms are lameness, although the feet may have an odor as well. Bacteroides nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum are common bacteria that are involved. Rarely are fungi involved, and if they are, they are usually secondary to the bacteria causing the initial insult. There are several types of these bacteria, each having its own virulence, or ability to cause disease. Sheep are commonly affected and the economic impact in a herd can be devastating.

Foot rot usually begins when bacteria in damp environments penetrate small fissures or cracks in the skin near the horn. These bacteria have powerful enzymes which break down the hoof wall, causing formation of fissures, sinuses, and deadened material in the keratin and underlying tissues. The feet swell and exude pus, and on occasion the entire shell around the claw may slough off. What's worse, the infective material is spread back into the soil, making the disease more likely to spread through a herd. Transmission can also occur through hoof knives and topical preparations used to treat and clean feet.

Check the foot and make sure all the feet are cleaned and well trimmed. Check for stones lodged in and around the claws. Clean the interdigital skin, checking carefully for cuts or scratches. Disinfect the tools and your hands afterwards. Start treatment by soaking the foot in warm Epsom salts water twice a day for a week. Dry the foot well after soaking. If the horn seems separated from the heal bulbs or sole, it is likely that bacteria are involved and a foot bath (copper or zinc sulfate solution) and surgical paring (performed by a veterinarian) may be required. Some animals may even need antibiotics. The best preventive treatment and long-term solution is to provide drier ground for the animals to stand upon and to eliminate rough areas with dry irritating grasses or brush that can cause tiny scratches in the skin of the feet.

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