The foot swells above the coronet and the toes spread. Cracks or fissures develop in the interdigital space. There is a characteristic, foul-smelling exudate at these fissures. Appetite and milk yield may decrease sharply. If untreated, the infection may progress into the joint space or tendon sheath producing permanent damage to these structures.
Foot rot is a contagious disease.
When the organism and the predisposing factors are present, multiple cases may occur during a short period of time. The interdigital area should be washed and any loose necrotic tissue removed. Topic dressings of antibiotics, sulfas, or antiseptics have been used with success. If infection has spread to deeper tissues, a drawing ointment may be beneficial. Affected animals should be separated from the herd and confined to prevent spread of the organism.