Septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in a cow

Abstract

Deciding the appropriate course of action in cases of septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in dairy cattle requires thoughtful consideration of multiple factors. Dairy practitioners must choose the appropriate course of action that will satisfy both the animal?s welfare and its purpose as a production animal. A lack of applicable scientific data concerning this condition (particularly in areas regarding incidence, prevalence, and outcome of different treatments with the use of control groups) leaves the practitioner stymied when making case management decisions. Although the top two actions taken are amputation and shipping, recently developed arthrodesis techniques may offer a better alternative for selected patients with septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint.