Treponema DNA in bovine 'non-healing' versus common sole ulcers and white line disease.

Bovine digital dermatitis (BDD)-associated 'non-healing' white line disease (nhWLD) and 'non-healing' sole ulcers (nhSU) are increasingly encountered in cattle. Using established PCR protocols, 42 nhWLD/nhSU, 25 BDD and 15 common WLD DNA isolates were screened for the presence of Treponema DNA. Obtained amplicons were identified by gel electrophoresis and sequencing.

A simple surgical treatment for bovine digital dermatitis-associated white line lesions and sole ulcers.

Non-healing white line disease (nhWLD) and sole ulcers (nhSU) are seen increasingly in herds endemically affected with bovine digital dermatitis (BDD). In 35 cows with 42 nhWLD or nhSU lesions, the healing process was monitored for up to 28 or 38 days following extensive debridement of loose horn and infected corium under regional anaesthesia, and topical application of tetracycline spray with bandaging. By 28 days, 27/42 (64%) nhWLD and nhSU were completely covered by a new horn layer and this increased to 30/42 (71%) that had healed by 38 days.