Septic Arthritis of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint in Cattle: Comparison of Digital Amputation and Joint Resection by Solar Approach

To determine in cattle with septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint (SADIJ) the efficacy of resection of the distal interphalangeal joint (JRES) as a digit salvage technique compared with digital amputation (DAMP). Prospective, randomized clinical study. German Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle with SADIJ of 1 hind limb (n=52). SADIJ diagnosis was based on clinical examination and radiography. Cows were randomly assigned with owner consent to DAMP (n=26) or JRES (n=26). After JRES, a wooden block was fixed to the partner claw in combination with a tipping claw prophylaxis. After surgery, degree of lameness improved significantly faster after DAMP than after JRES. New claw diseases in the opposite limb occurred more frequently after JRES (n=6) than after DAMP (n=1). New claw defects developed in the partner claw on the operated limb in 6 cows after DAMP compared with 1 after JRES. Tipping claw was observed in 50% of JRES cows at day 180. Mean life span between groups was not significantly different (DAMP=13.5 months, JRES=10.9 months). Higher surgical and postsurgical expenditures for JRES were not counterbalanced by a longer productive life; however, frequent disease of the partner claw of cows after DAMP should be considered a critical point, as this generally leads to culling. The higher expenditure for JRES can be justified only for young, valuable cattle.