Prevalence of sole haemorrhages and its correlation with subclinical and chronic laminitis in dairy cows

Abstract

Prevalence and risk factors of laminitis were determined in 300 dairy cows from 29 zero-grazed and 3 pasture-grazed dairy farms in Nairobi and the peri-urban districts. Lameness was assessed using a universally recognized locomotion scoring system. Claws were examined and 1-2mm thick layer of the horn of the sole was trimmed-off to further expose underlying lesions. Location of lesions on the under-side of the claws was recorded corresponding to 6 universally recognized zones. Prevalence of subclinical and chronic laminitis was 49.3% and 21 % respectively. While sole haemorrhages were recorded in 82% of the 70.3% of the cows with laminitis (both subclinical and chronic), it was nevertheless present in all the 49.3% of the cows with subclinical phase of laminitis. Haemorrhages were categorized into 5 universally recognized scores. Haemorrhages in zone 4 of the claw under-side were frequently associated with subclinical laminitis while those in zones 2, 3 and 6 were frequently associated with chronic laminitis. Slight to moderate (score 1 and 2) haemorrhages were significantly correlated (X2 = 18.01, P< 0.0001) with subclinical laminitis. Moderate to severe (score 2 and 3) haemorrhages were significantly correlated (X2 = 33.08, p<O.0001) with chronic laminitis. Sole haemorrhage which is made clearer through horn trimming can reliably be used to diagnose laminitis.