This is a subscriber-only article
Slats are convenient and don’t cause much trouble in most situations, but every year we see a small number of injuries in cattle housed on slatted floors.
We presume that this occurs when animals catch their toes in between the slats while rising after lying down.
In this way, some animals have broken the lowest bone in their legs, the pedal bone, sometimes known as the coffin bone.
This is a small, wedge-shaped bone that is completely encased in the hoof wall.
We presume that this occurs when animals catch their toes in between the slats while rising after lying down
These animals are usually found refusing to rise, not because they are unable, but because the pain is so great, they are unwilling.
Rightly enough, these animals should be moved off the slatted flooring to give the animal better footing and therefore more encouragement to stand.
The tell-tale sign of a broken pedal bone is one claw of the foot splayed outward from the position it is usually in, as well as the animal almost completely not bearing weight on that foot.
The solution in these cases is a claw amputation. This is a salvage procedure, which removes the source of pain.
The amputation can be done standing under a local anaesthetic.
The tell-tale sign of a broken pedal bone is one claw of the foot splayed outward
The claw is amputated above the hoof wall, but below the fetlock, allowing the animal to walk on the remaining claw. With good wound management and pain relief, the life-span post-amputation can be nine to 18 months.
This is usually limited by the weight of the animal and therefore the weight the animal carries on one instead of two claws.
It is recommended that the animal is housed off slats after the procedure.
Prompt attention to all lame animals by your vet is always encouraged.
Martha Naughton works at Mulcair Vet Clinic, Cappamore, Co Limerick. Mulcair Vet Clinic is part of XLVets, a group of progressive practices who are working together to achieve a better future for agriculture and veterinary in Ireland. For further information, go to www.xlvets.ie.
SHARING OPTIONS: