ESTUDO RADIOGRÁFICO DAS EXTREMIDADES DISTAIS DOS MEMBROS LOCOMOTORES DE BOVINOS COM CLAUDICAÇÃO

Radiography has been widely used to classify and assess the degree of injuries that cause lameness. This study reports a radiographic study of the distal extremities of locomotor limbs. Scoring distribution considered limbs with and without malformations, and related lameness and the severity of digital injuries to radiographic images. A total of 50 confined male cattle presenting locomotor disorders, with or without digital alteration, were evaluated, of which 86% were affected by lameness. As regards severity of impairment, 14% of animals' injuries were mild, 20% moderate, 52% severe, and 14% profound. Analysis of 200 limbs revealed that only 29,5% had digital injuries, which included multiple lesions (40,7%), septic pododermatitis (32,2%), interdigital dermatitis (11,9%), heel-horn erosion (8,5%), and digital dermatitis (68%). According to the radiographic evaluation, 25,5% of the extremities presented some kind of digital alteration. The main injuries were: degenerative joint disease (27,5%), osteitis (19,6%), periostitis (15,7%), septic arthritis in distal interphalangeal joints (11,8%), calcification of deep flexor tendon (7,8%), and extensor tendon (5,9%). Results indicate a relationship between the presence of lameness, digital injuries and radiographic alterations. Locomotion scores, associated with podal injury and radiographic examinations, helped in the diagnosis of lameness.