Changes

Also know as: '''''Scald — Slurry Heel — Stable Footrot'''''

Also know as: '''''Scald — Slurry Heel — Stable Footrot — Heel Erosion — Heel Necrosis'''''

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Interdigital dermatitis is caused by the '''anaerobic bacteria''', '''''[[Dichelobacter nodosus]]'''''.  

Interdigital dermatitis is caused by the '''anaerobic bacteria''', '''''[[Dichelobacter nodosus]]'''''.  

This condition has been confused in the literature with [[Footrot - Cattle|foot rot]] but the clinical signs of the two diseases are distinctly different.

This condition has been confused in the literature with [[Footrot - Cattle|foot rot]] but the clinical signs of the two diseases are distinctly different. However, terminology is confusing with the equivalent UK/US expression being either heel necrosis, slurry heal or heel erosion (Blowey, 2008). It should not be confused with digital dermatitis.

Interdigital dermatitis (ID) is caused by ''Dichelobacter nodosus'', however, different genotypes of this organism cause [[Footrot - Sheep|foot rot in sheep]] compared with those causing ID in cattle. Transmission of the disease between sheep and cattle has not been reported.

Interdigital dermatitis (ID) is caused by ''Dichelobacter nodosus'', however, different genotypes of this organism cause [[Footrot - Sheep|foot rot in sheep]] compared with those causing ID in cattle. Transmission of the disease between sheep and cattle has not been reported.

It is hypothesized that ID '''plays a role in the evolution of other diseases''' such as foot rot, digital dermatitis, and heel erosion.  

It is hypothesized that ID '''plays a role in the evolution of other diseases''' such as [[Footrot - Cattle|foot rot]], digital dermatitis, and heel erosion.  

''D. nodosus'' and [[Fusobacterium necrophorum|''Fusobacterium necrophorum'']] have been consistently isolated from lesions. However, other organisms frequently present in the interdigital space also play a part in the progress of some of these diseases.

''D. nodosus'' and [[Fusobacterium necrophorum|''Fusobacterium necrophorum'']] have been consistently isolated from lesions. However, other organisms frequently present in the interdigital space also play a part in the progress of some of these diseases.

==Distribution==

==Distribution==

Interdigital dermatitis appears to be endemic in most countries where cattle are densely concentrated..

Interdigital dermatitis appears to be endemic in most countries where cattle are densely concentrated.

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Clinical signs and history, with a detailed lameness examination and physical examination of the hoof are indicative of the disease due to the '''characteristic appearance and location of lesions'''.

Clinical signs and history, with a detailed lameness examination and physical examination of the hoof are indicative of the disease due to the '''characteristic appearance and location of lesions'''.

Differential diagnoses include digital dermatitis and [[Foot and Mouth Disease|foot and mouth disease]]. These need to be eliminated and can be done so be detailed physical examination by an experience clinician.

Differential diagnoses include digital dermatitis and [[Foot and Mouth Disease|foot and mouth disease]]. These need to be eliminated and can be done so be detailed physical examination by an experienced clinician.

Laboratory diagnostic tools include the identification of ''Dichelobacter nodosus'' by '''[[immunofluorescence]]''' technology from smears of lesions.

Laboratory diagnostic tools include the identification of ''Dichelobacter nodosus'' by '''[[immunofluorescence]]''' technology from smears of lesions.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

In severe cases, the lesions should be '''cleaned and dried''', after which a '''topical bacteriostatic agent''' should be applied; such as a 50% mixture of '''sulfamethazine (sulfadimidine) powder or anhydrous copper sulphate'''.

In severe cases, the lesions should be '''cleaned and dried''', after which a '''topical bacteriostatic agent''' should be applied; such as a 50% mixture of '''sulfamethazine (sulfadimidine) powder''' or '''anhydrous copper sulphate'''.

Alternatively, an animal can be confined in a 5% copper sulfate footbath for an hour, twice-daily for a number of weeks.

Alternatively, an animal can be confined in a 5% copper sulfate footbath for an hour, twice-daily for a number of weeks.

'''Regular foot trimming''' helps to avoid complications.

'''Regular foot trimming''' helps to avoid complications.

'''Footbathing''', commencing in late autumn and before clinical cases can be identified, is essential in herds known to be infected with ''Dichelobacter nodosus''. Solutions of '''3% formalin or 5% copper sulfate''' are usually effective. Be aware that these chemicals biodegrade slowly. Weekly footbathing may be sufficient in the late autumn, but the frequency may have to be increased in late winter.

'''Footbathing''', commencing in late autumn and before clinical cases can be identified, is essential in herds known to be infected with ''Dichelobacter nodosus''. Solutions of '''3% formalin '''or''' 5% copper sulfate''' are usually effective. Be aware that these chemicals biodegrade slowly. Weekly footbathing may be sufficient in the late autumn, but the frequency may have to be increased in late winter.

There is '''no vaccine''' currently available for cattle with this condition.

There is '''no vaccine''' currently available for cattle with this condition.

==References==

==References==

Hanna, P., Lofstedt, J., Duivenvoorden, P (1994) '''Papillomatous digital dermatitis in a Canadian dairy herd'''. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 35(10):657; 2.

 

Hanna, P., Lofstedt, J., Duivenvoorden, P (1994) '''Papillomatous digital dermatitis in a Canadian dairy herd'''. ''Canadian Veterinary Journal'', 35(10):657; 2.

Rutter, B (1984) '''Lameness in dairy cows: incidence in Argentina'''. ''Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium on Disorders of the Ruminant Digit, Banff, Canada'', 40.

Rutter, B (1984) '''Lameness in dairy cows: incidence in Argentina'''. ''Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium on Disorders of the Ruminant Digit, Banff, Canada'', 40.

[[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Cattle]]

[[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Cattle]]

[[Category:To Do - CABI review]]

[[Category:CABI Expert Review Completed]][[Category:CABI AHPC Pages]]

[[Category:Nick Lyons reviewed]]