The outside rear toe is the next most common location for this problem. Fall weaned calves, cattle coming from parts of the country with high annual rain fall, and cattle coming from small grain pastures in the spring are most likely to have problems with toe abscesses. Wild cattle, abrasive surfaces, and rough handling of the cattle often combine to create this problem. If toe abscesses are a problem in feedlots, the receiving areas may be too clean. Dirt and dried manure provide a cushion to the hoof.
Some feedlots only have a problem with toe abscesses after rains have washed the cushion away.
The early symptoms of toe abscesses are very subtle. The cattle will appear sore and short-strided. The foot is not swollen in the early stages. Nearly all animals treated properly at this stage will recover. If the disease is allowed to progress, the animal will become noticeably lame.