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Digit amputation
Synonym(s): Digiamp
Introduction
- Digital amputation is the surgical removal of the digit.
- With appropriate candidate selection, amputation of the digit provides pain relief, improved welfare, improved production and maintenance of weight.
Uses
- Digital amputation is the treatment of choice when infection does not allow for salvage of the claw, or the animal will otherwise be sent to slaughter.
- Conditions that may warrant this procedure include:
- Septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint
. - Osteitis of the distal phalanx/sesamoid.
- Necrosis and/or septic tenosynovitis of the deep digital flexor tendon.
- Septic processes the coronary band and/or supracoronary tissues.
- Septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint
- Digital amputation may be an appropriate treatment for a fractured digit.
Advantages
- All infected tissue can be removed completely.
- Recovery after surgery is rapid.
- Lameness usually resolved quickly after amputation.
- The long-term survival in the herd may be expected to be approximately 1.5 to 2 years post-surgery, but is dependent upon many variables.
Disadvantages
- Cosmetically, the appearance may be unsatisfactory.
- Poor case selection:
- Infection proximal to the amputation site may result in failure to resolve the infection, uncontrolled pain and compromised animal welfare.
Technical problems
- Failure to remove all infected tissue will not achieve resolution of lameness.
- Poor surgical technique may result in excessive hemorrhage.
Alternative techniques
- Two approaches:
- High digital amputation - at the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint:
- Has the advantage of the wound being further from the ground and therefore reduced risk of ascending infection.
- Low digital amputation - at the level of distal third of phalanx 2:
- Provides more lateral stability as the interdigital and/or cruciate ligaments maybe preserved.
- High digital amputation - at the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint:
- Arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint.
Time required
Preparation
- 15 min.
Procedure
- 20-30 min.
Decision taking
Criteria for choosing test
- As per indications outlined above under uses.
- Careful consideration is needed for the following cases:
- Large framed, heavy cows have a poor prognosis.
- Hind claws in breeding bulls (mounting problems).
- Medial claws in either hind or forelimbs.
- Farms where animals are required to walk over slatted or grated areas at milking or other times such as feeding.
Risk assessment
- Degree of spread of infection in the digit and surrounding joints and tendon sheaths.
- Carefully assess the “healthy claw” to ensure that it really is “healthy” and will be able to take over the function of both claws.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed Papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Kofler J (2017) Surgical treatment in deep digital sepsis in cattle–Claw preserving methods and claw amputation. Revista Acadêmica: Ciência Animal 15 (2), 45-65.
- Pedersen S (2012) Digit amputation- getting it right for a productive future. Cattle Lameness Conference proceedings, 29.
- Starke A, Heppelmann M, Beyerbach M & Rehage J (2007) Septic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint in cattle: comparison of digital amputation and joint resection by solar approach. Vet Surg 36 (4), 350-359.
- Bicalho R C, Cheong S H, Warnick L D, Nydam D V & Guard C L (2006) The effect of digit amputation or arthrodesis surgery on culling and milk production in Holstein dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 89 (7), 2596-2602.
Other sources of information
- Parkinson T J, Vermunt J J & Malmo J (2010) Diseases of Cattle in Australasia: A Comprehensive Textbook. New Zealand Veterinary Association Foundation for Continuing Education, NZ.
- Anderson D E & Rings M (2008) Current Veterinary Therapy: Food Animal Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences, USA.
- Divers T J & Peek S (2007) Rebhun's Diseases of Dairy Cattle. Elsevier Health Sciences, USA.
- Fubini S L & Ducharme N (2004) Farm Animal Surgery. Elsevier Health Sciences, USA.
Organisation(s)
- Rochester Veterinary Practice.