What is it?
Sole ulcers are full thickness defects of the sole horn, typically occurring in the outer claw of the rear feet, directly below the flexor tuberosity of the third phalanx.
What causes it?
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- Sole ulcers form ‘from the inside out’.
- Horn production in the ulcer site is compromised by pressure applied to the corium below the flexor tuberosity of the pedal bone (third phalanx).
- In mild cases, we see hemorrhage in this site.
- In some cases, the ulcer occurs on the rear medial claw near the heel, which we refer to as a Sole Fracture or Heel Ulcer.
- The primary lesion is an increase in the mobility and shifting of the pedal bone (third phalanx).
How do we treat it?
- The lesion is caused by pressure on the corium, compromising horn growth.
- The treatment is to relieve the pressure.
How do we prevent it?
- We cannot easily prevent increased movement of the pedal bone (third phalanx).
- We can reduce the pressure on the corium by reducing the time standing on firm surfaces each day.
- Stall comfort
- Time out of the pen milking
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