Exposure to manure, frozen rough ground or extreme drought can contribute to infection. Foot rot is usually a seasonal disease, occurring during periods of extreme moisture or severe drought and when muddy yards are frozen, resulting in rough conditions. The first sign of foot rot is lameness, which may range from mild to so serious the animal is reluctant to move. Close examination of an infected hoof will reveal inflammation extending into the hock joint, with fluid coming from the hairless skin at the top of the cleft between the claws, along the coronary band or the bulbs of the heels. The injury often results from stones, glass, nails or other sharp objects.
Individual medication is usually adequate.
Prevention Any management procedure that will eliminate hoof damage will contribute to the prevention of foot rot. Many of the problems can be avoided by thoroughly cleaning pens after cattle are removed and liberally spreading lime over the pen surface. Maximum drainage is an absolute essential to any feedlot arrangement and will aid in preventing constant contact with manure-laden mud or water. Well-built and maintained mounds are good protection from foot rot. The mounds should be arranged so they receive maximum exposure to the sun and should be spread with lime occasionally.