Two Clinical Cases of Lameness in Ruminants from South Africa

A request from the attending Veterinarian to travel 400 kilometres to examine a very lame, valuable buffalo bull was fulfilled. A number of buffalo from a disease breeding facility had been purchased a few weeks previously. The animals had been placed under roof in concrete pens similar to the previous lodgings. The new facilities were over 1 year old.
On arrival, the buffalo bull was crawling around on his elbows and knees. Due to his aggressive behaviour it was decided to bleed and examine hooves of some of his herd mates. It was very noticeable that the hooves of the darted buffalo were freshly and severely worn. The bull was heavily sedated and examined. All 8 claws had been worn down to the sensitive lamina with a few areas covered by a paper thin sole that was readily and simply pealed away. Prognosis was ZERO and the owner was advised to euthanasia on welfare grounds. Due to the value and extreme reluctance of the owner, and against veterinary advice, it was decided to try and ...