Digit amputation in cattle

Lameness of limbs is one of the most important problems of today's cattle farms, which causes irreparable economic losses, so that about 60% of cows in each herd are lame at least once a year (finger injuries in Iran are 31.8%). Injuries of the digits is one of the major causes of lameness in cattle. Bones of the digits in cattle include the first, second and, third phalanx. Two vestigial digits are existed in cattle. The medial digit and the lateral digit are the main weight bearing structures on the forelimb and hindlimb, respectively. One of the practical treatments for injuries of the digits is its amputation. Among the most important causes of digit amputation, can mention osteomyelitis of finger and navicular bones, septic arthritis of interdigital joints, fractures and hoof traumas that have not responded to other conservative treatment. Most of digit amputation procedures perform under local anesthetic techniques with the cattle standing position. Selection of digit amputation techniques depends on several factors, such as the lesion type and the extent of involved anatomical structures. The most common surgical method is to amputate the digit through the distal aspect of the proximal phalanx without the need for a skin flap, which usually has a good prognosis and is effective in improving the economic life of the animal. Todays, limb amputation and the use of prosthesis are indicated in cattle or calf with untreatable musculoskeletal trauma or infection. General anesthesia is recommended for limb amputation. Although the short-term prognosis for limb amputation is good, the long-term prognosis depends on the weight of the animal and caring condition.