Applied Anatomy and Histology of the bovine hooves and limbs

Bovine hoof with its fine structures and accurate function is used for routine locomotion. This part of common integument has special characteristics to carry on a very high resistance to external/internal stimuli. Production and components of different parts of this small region vary and its variation in origin of production makes different protection against systemic disturbances or external/internal forces. Variation among species like cattle and horse limbs, expected performance (confinement and milk production versus athletic performance) and metabolic pressure on each animal results in different outcomes after hoof pathologies. For example, unlike horse, in cattle sinking of 3rd phalanx is more pronounced in the heel region. Horn capsule with its firm, sensitive and complex structure tries to neutralize the forces to which the limb is subjected. Any abnormality in hoof capsule vital tissues is a beginning for claw horn disruption lesion (CHDL) in a dairy farm. There are many hypotheses aiming to describe CHDL pathogenesis. No longer is it acceptable to believe that SARA = Subclinical laminitis. The disorder cannot be managed simply from a nutritional perspective and is Multifactorial. With better understanding of each part of this complex structure and the processes that occur after damage, a better understanding of the physiopathology of hoof capsule injuries is obtained.