Changes

Can be made on a history of lameness and rapid spread amongst the flock in combination with clinical signs.

Can be made on a history of lameness and rapid spread amongst the flock in combination with clinical signs.

Early cases only affecting the interdigital space may be mistaken for ovine interdital dermatitis and more sever cases may be confused with a foot abscess.

Early cases only affecting the interdigital space may be mistaken for ovine interdital dermatitis and more severe cases may be confused with a foot abscess.

 

D.nodosus can be identified microscopically via smears from the affected foot however many other bacteria will also be present.

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

Lameness is often the first clinical sign to be noted and can vary in severity. In the worst cases sheep become recumbent or on their knees.

Lameness is often the first clinical sign to be noted and can vary in severity. In the worst cases sheep become recumbent or on their knees.

If rams are affected they may not be able to serve and if ewes are affected they may not be able to take the weight of a ram.

If rams are affected they may not be able to serve and if ewes are affected they may not be able to take the weight of a ram.

Under-running of the horn is present and there is often a necrotic discharge which causes the characteristic foul 'odour'.

Under-running of the horn is present and there is often a necrotic discharge which causes the characteristic foul 'odour'.

==Pathology==

==Pathology==