A retrospective study on incidence of lameness in domestic animals

Lameness is defined as an abnormal stance or gait caused by either a structural or a functional disorder of the locomotor system [1]. A variety of reasons for lameness have been reported, including heritable defects, congenital defects, developmental defects, growth defects, trauma, and infection. Lameness is very common in dogs due to their active nature. Musculoskeletal disorders are found to be more common cause than neurological disorder in dogs [2]. Shifting lameness was reported in dogs diagnosed for Lyme disease [3]. Age, sex and breed of the animals also influence the type and cause of lameness. In dairy cattle, main cause of lameness is pain in the limb, especially in the foot; hind feet are found to be more affected than front feet [4]. In piglets, rough and abrasive floors are found to be an important cause of lameness [5]. Lameness affects the viability, growth, reproduction and cause severe economic loss in pigs [6]. In cattle, economic loss can result from reduced Veterinary World, EISSN: 2231-0916 Available at www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.7/August-2014/9.pdf