Heel necrosis

Foot rot, just like Mortellaro’s disease is an infection caused by anaerobic bacterium which thrives in muddy, damp conditions. Foot rot is characterized by a damp foul smelling infection which can spread to the bulb area where it will affect the horn production. Ridges will appear at the bulbs and the corium will be stimulated to produce extra horn growth in the lateral claw. This in turn causes extra pressure and increased horn growth. The animal will try to balance itself by standing cow hocked. Red coloured bruising may be visible in the lateral claws of the hind feet due to the pressure caused by the ridged horn. Solar abscesses may form if the pressure is not relieved.

The key to treating and preventing foot rot is by keeping the living quarters as clean and dry as possible with plenty of space.

Preventative hoof trimming twice a year.
Curative foot trimming immediately when needed.
Formalin foot baths once fortnight.
Out at grass.