Resection of the Distal Interphalangeal Joint and Digital Amputation in 21 Breeding Bulls Outcome and Longterm Follow-up

The aim of this retrospective, multicentric study was to report on the indications of these surgical methods in heavy breeding bulls and to document the post surgical outcome.

Materials and Methods
Case records of 21 breeding bulls from four veterinary teaching hospitals suffering from advanced septic claw disorders and treated with resection of the distal interphalangeal (=DIP) joint (n: 14), resection of the proximal interphalangeal joint (n: 1) and digit amputation (n: 6) were evaluated retrospectively (19922005) regarding the following parameters: breed, age, body mass, pre-treatment, localisation of disease, lameness degree, diagnosis, surgical method, outcome, postoperative survival time and return to breeding use ...