By: Putri DamayantiFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Airlangga University
Laminitis is inflammation of the laminae in the hoof wall of livestock, occurring in cows, sheep, and goats. Laminitis often causes discomfort, lameness, changes in hoof structure, decreased milk production, and reproductive issues. According to Kloosterman, the cause of laminitis is closely related to rumen acidosis resulting from increased consumption of high-carbohydrate feed. Additionally, laminitis can be caused by hoof trauma, nutritional disorders, incorrect hoof trimming techniques, hormonal imbalances, vascular blood flow disruptions to the foot, systemic infections, or conditions that lead to endotoxemia, such as mastitis or postpartum endometritis (Bergsten, 2001). Poor management and husbandry practices are significant factors contributing to laminitis cases.
Animals affected by laminitis will have lesions in various parts of the hoof. Common lesions include bleeding in the sole, double sole, fissures and abscesses in the white line, ulcers, and necrosis. Laminitis can occur acutely, subacutely, and chronically. Acute laminitis happens rapidly, with affected animals showing clinical symptoms like stress, decreased appetite (anorexia), difficulty standing in balance, and limping when forced to walk. Acute laminitis can be triggered by various diseases such as metritis, mastitis, and Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD). Subacute laminitis is the most common form, often occurring in dairy cows, especially post-calving. Limping symptoms frequently appear 2-4 weeks after calving. However, sometimes lameness isn't apparent despite cows walking stiffly and having weak legs. Chronic laminitis becomes visible after several months, with damaged laminae and altered hoof structure (Kloosterman, 2007).
Laminitis has significant economic impacts on farmers, companies, and agricultural institutions due to reduced livestock productivity, including decreased milk and meat production, and decreased utilization of their physical capabilities. To prevent laminitis, careful livestock management is essential. This involves monitoring feed composition and balance between concentrates and fibers to enhance rumination processes. Imbalances can lead to rumen acidosis, ketosis, and endotoxemia (Ossent et al., 1997). Rumen acidosis lowers systemic pH, activating vasoactive mechanisms, causing increased pulse rate and overall blood flow. Acidosis also prompts histamine release in response to changes, imbalances, and diseases, eventually leading to blood vessel vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction leads to pressure on the hooves, as they bear the animal's weight. Ultimately, blood circulation to the hooves diminishes, causing hypoxia (oxygen deficiency), subsequently leading to necrosis in the affected areas. Feed management errors are primary contributors to laminitis. Regarding facility management, cleanliness is important, and stalls should be covered with bedding material to reduce hoof-floor friction. Additionally, ensuring sufficient space in the stalls allows animals to exercise and lie down comfortably (Kloosterman, 2007).
Treatment for laminitis involves careful hoof trimming to remove parts that might exacerbate lesions. Manson & Leaver (1988b) indicated that pre-calving trimming results in fewer cases of laminitis-induced paralysis compared to cows without trimming. Furthermore, Distl and Mair (1990) demonstrated that uneven hoof size can cause lesions due to unequal weight distribution between the right and left legs; trimming can equalize the weights. Analgesics can be administered for pain relief but shouldn't be overused. Regular hoof checks significantly help prevent laminitis, as abnormalities can be addressed before severe clinical symptoms or lesions develop.
REFERENCES
Bergsten, C. 2001. Laminitis: causes, risk factors, and prevention. In Mid-south Ruminant Nutrition Conference.
Distl, O., Krüßlich, H., Mair, A., Spielmann, C., & Diebschlag, W. 1990. Computer-assisted analysis of pressure distribution on cattle claws. DTW. Deutsche tierärztliche Wochenschrift.
Kloosterman, P. 2007. Laminitis: Prevention, diagnosis and treatment. In Proc. Western Canadian Dairy Seminar Advances in Dairy Technology.
Manson, F. J., & Leaver, J. D. 1988. The influence of dietary protein intake and of hoof trimming on lameness in dairy cattle. Animal Science.
Ossent P. Greenough PR, Vermunt JJ. 1997. Laminitis. In: Lameness in Cattle. Philadelphia: Saunders Company.