Clinical management of hoof abscess in a Goat

Abstract

Lameness in small ruminants is a condition which usually results in poor productivity of the affected animal and subsequent economic losses to the farmer. This case report describes the clinical management of hoof abscess in a 3 year old buck. The buck was presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia with a complaint of a swollen hoof on the right hind limb that has stayed for over a week. Clinical examination findings revealed normal TPR and mucous membrane. The hoof on the right hind limb was found to be overgrown and swollen with pus exuding through inter digital space. The buck displayed signs of pain and discomfort when the affected hoof is palpated and handled during examination. Based on the history and outcome of the clinical examination a presumptive clinical working diagnosis of hoof abscess was made. For clinical management, the swelling was lanced and the pus was evacuated under local anaesthesia. The wound area was flushed with diluted hydrogen peroxide and washed with diluted antiseptic solution to remove the necrotic tissues and debris. After the cleaning procedure, the wound was applied topically with mixture of tincture of Iodine and Negasunt powder®. Then Terramycin® wound spray consist of Oxytetracycline hydrochloride as active ingredientswas applied topically to the wound. This procedure was repeated daily for a week. Systemic short acting antibiotic, Penicillin (1ml/10kg IM) and NSAIDs, Flunixin meglumine (2.2mg/kg IM) SID were administered for five days. Upon follow up visit a week post treatment, the affected limb showed advanced recovery with good healing. The farm was advised to have good compliance of herd health program to prevent recurrence of this condition due to poor hoof care and poor pen sanitation.