However, feeding EDDI has not been a very satisfactory control for foot rot. Good nutrition may be helpful in preventing foot rot. Be sure that all cattle receive adequate calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A for good bone and tissue health. Research reports from Missouri indicate that when treatment was administered the first day of the disease, recovery was observed in 3 to 4 days. When the first treatment was delayed for 3 days, treatment was required again at 7 days, recovery was delayed for 10 to 12 days, and two animals required 30 to 45 days with multiple treatments to recover.
Early treatment is necessary to prevent animals from developing chronic problems.
Examine the feet of lame animals for foreign objects such as wires, nails, etc., and treat as soon as possible. When foot rot fails to respond to medication, thoroughly check the foot for foreign objects. If infection proceeds and infects the joints, arthritis may develop and claw amputation may be needed to correct the condition until the animal can be salvaged at slaughter. In most operations foot rot is an occasional disease that does not reach a level to stimulate great concern. However, the accumulated effects can have significant economic impact.