“Rusterholz” Ulcer in Culling Lame Cows: Clinical and Radiographic Interpretation

Objective- To investigate and quantitate radiological and clinical changes in tissues and structures of the claws affected by Rusterholz ulcer.    Design- Cross-sectional and Descriptive study Animal- Seven culled lame cows were affected with “Rusterholz” ulcer Procedures- Forty one culled lame cows of 1135 culled cows having digital disorders which were randomly selected for clinical and radiographic studies. Seven culled lame cows were affected with “Rusterholz” ulcer. After recording information for each cow, affected digit was amputated and carried to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Radiology Department for more detailed radiographical studies. Four radiographs were taken from each case, and the exposure factors of 85-95 KV, 25 mA in 0/04-0/02 seconds were used. New bone formation, pedal osteitis, osteomylitis, soft tissue swelling and gas density were indices considered for assessing the severity of the disease. Results- Radiological examination showed the chronic lesions of sole ulceration were accompanied by alterations in bone structure of phalanx, with soft tissue swelling, new bone formation, osteitis and gas density. In most cases clinical features suggested of chronic laminitis. The “Rusterholz” ulcer was manifested as a painful, purulent discharge from the perforation site and affected cows were lost their weight significantly. In cases with deep sepsis, the swelling was appeared focally in bulb heel of the involving digit.   Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- According to the result of this study, radiological and clinical information play a significant role in clarifying the predicting lameness treatment or culling the dairy cows suffering from chronic and recurrent lameness.