Changes

Also known as: '''''Claw amputation'''''

Also known as: '''''Claw Amputation'''''

==Indications==

==Indications==

'''Flunixin meglumine''' (or other NSAID) is injected intravenously before surgery.  

'''Flunixin meglumine''' (or other NSAID) is injected intravenously before surgery.  

'''Intravenous regional analgesia''' should then be performed: a robust tourniquet is placed below the hock and 2% lidocaine is injected into the superficial vein running on the cranio-lateral aspect of the third metatarsal bone. Analgesia is effective within 2 minutes.

[[Bovine_Anaesthesia#Intravenous_Regional_Blocks|'''Intravenous regional analgesia''']] should then be performed: a robust tourniquet is placed below the hock and 2% lidocaine is injected into the superficial vein running on the cranio-lateral aspect of the third metatarsal bone. Analgesia is effective within 2 minutes.

==Amputation procedure==

==Amputation Procedure==

The preferable method is '''amputation through the distal part of the proximal phalanx''' using an open technique.

The preferable method is '''amputation through the distal part of the proximal phalanx''' using an open technique.

After preparation, a skin incision is made in the interdigital space and then beginning 2cm proximal to the intertigical cleft angling upwards to a point on the lateral or medial side of the leg, even with the distal margin of the dewclaw.

After preparation, a skin incision is made in the interdigital space and then beginning 2cm proximal to the interdigital cleft angling upwards to a point on the lateral or medial side of the leg, even with the distal margin of the dewclaw.

All soft tissues can be sharply incised in line with the skin incision.

All soft tissues can be sharply incised in line with the skin incision.

The cut surface of the removed portion should be inspected for evidence of sepsis or necrosis and all those portions need to be removed with adequate margins. If not the outcome will be poor.

The cut surface of the removed portion should be inspected for evidence of sepsis or necrosis and all those portions need to be removed with adequate margins. If not the outcome will be poor.

==Post-operative care==

==Post-Operative Care==

The surface of the wound is covered with an '''antiseptic or antibiotic dressing''' and a '''tight bandage''' applied to control haemorrhage.

The surface of the wound is covered with an '''antiseptic or antibiotic dressing''' and a '''tight bandage''' applied to control haemorrhage.

The bandage can then be removed or changed in about 4 days, unless a septic condition needs continuing drainage.

The bandage can then be removed or changed in about 4 days, unless a septic condition needs continued drainage.

'''Parenteral antibiotics''' are  usually given for 5 days and pain relief should be given if necessary.

'''Parenteral antibiotics''' are  usually given for 5 days and pain relief should be given if necessary.

Van Amstel, S. (2006) '''Manual for treatment and control of lameness in cattle''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''

Van Amstel, S. (2006) '''Manual for treatment and control of lameness in cattle''' ''Wiley-Blackwell''

[[Category:To Do - Helen]]

 

[[Category:To Do - Review]]

[[Category:Musculoskeltald Diseases - Cattle]]

[[Category:Clinical Techniques]]

[[Category:Expert Review - Cattle]]