11 Most lameness in live-export cattle, involves the foot especially the lateral claws of the hind
limbs because they are subjected to the most wear from twisting and turning. Lame cattle can be identified by swellings, non-weight-bearing limbs, reluctance to move or prolonged
recumbency. Inspect the limbs of recumbent cattle carefully as it is not uncommon for penned cattle to become lame in multiple limbs simultaneously causing them to lie down. A
tail with a depleted brush may indicate that the animal has been down excessively with its tail being trodden on. Decubitus ulcers on fetlock, hock and knee joints occur in animals that
are lying down for prolonged periods as a result of lameness or other condition and are an ominous sign. Much lameness can be prevented by quiet handling of livestock and matching
pen mates on sex and size.
The most likely causes of lameness in shipboard cattle include: • solar abscesses, bruised soles and decubitus ulcers from excessive wear on abrasive
flooring • Foot rot
• traumatic injuries, often from slipping, trampling or being mounted, causing fractures, dislocations, bruising, wounds
• Mycoplasma bovis, Histophilus somni and Chlamydiosis – joint swelling and lameness
are part of complex
2.3.1 Solar abscesses, bruised soles and puncture wounds
Solar abscesses, bruised soles and puncture wounds of the sole are associated with excessive wear of moisture-softened feet on rough or abrasive flooring. Cattle that
obsessively mount other cattle wear away the front part of the hind claws becoming severely lame from bruising and infection. All should be treated early and aggressively to prevent
infection extending up the leg and to prevent the animal going down. Treat solar abscesses and puncture wounds by paring sole and wall around the injury to establish drainage, and
administering antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. If facilities, equipment and expertise are available, elevating the inflamed claw by applying a lift to the healthy claw in the form a
plastic shoe or a wooden or plastic block glued to the sole will provide dramatic pain relief and help keep the animal on its feet and alive. Such shoes and blocks are commercially
available. Isolate to provide comfort, ready access to feed and water and ease of monitoring and further treatment. Soften the floor with sawdust or straw.
2.3.2 Footrot
Footrot is not uncommon in the constantly wet, macerating pen conditions. The bacterial cellulitis affecting the interdigital cleft is extremely painful, pushes the claws apart and the
foot will be swollen – usually only one foot is infected. Treat with parenteral antibiotics –
recovery usually begins in a few hours and is completed in one to two days so affected animals generally do not require isolation. If lameness does not resolve in a few days check
for a solar abscess.
2.3.3 Traumatic injuries
Traumatic injuries caused by slipping or being mounted include fractures, dislocations, bruising and wounds. Dislocated joints require early intervention and expertise for successful
reduction. Fractures demand euthanasia. Treat superficial wounds with a topical spray or lotion. Haematomas occur on points of hips following forceful contact with corner posts
12 during transport and loading. They are unlikely to cause lameness but are unsightly. No
treatment is required - draining blood from these can delay and complicate healing and is best avoided.
2.3.4 Mycoplasma bovis, Histophilus somni, Chlamydophila spp
