Like us, our dogs are now living longer than ever, thanks to advances in veterinary medicine, nutrition and overall care. However, this longevity comes at a price, as it only increases the chances for your canine companion to develop a common form of arthritis known as degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis.

What is DJD and why do dogs get it?

Again, much like we humans, our pets’ joint tissues often begin to deteriorate with age. This process is commonly gradual and affects the smooth layer of cartilage known as articular cartilage that is found at the ends of bones in one or more joints. Articular cartilage plays a key role in reducing friction within joints and allowing them to move smoothly. The breakdown of this protective cushion often leads to pain, inflammation and a decreased range of motion. While any joint can be affected, DJD often compromises a dog’s lower back and limbs.

Of course, some dogs are at an increased risk for developing this ailment, including large or giant breeds, due to their general size and weight placing more mechanical stress on their joints, as well as those who compete in high-impact sports, such as agility, dock diving or flyball. Poor nutrition, conformation and genetics are other potential factors. DJD can also develop as the result of a bone or joint injury or in connection to the stress of extra weight on joints in overweight or obese dogs. This is just one more reason why it is vitally important to keep your dog at a healthy body weight at all stages of life.

What are some signs of canine osteoarthritis?

A lasting vestige of their wild origins, dogs often instinctively hide their pain until it becomes severe, as showing signs of weakness would have made their ancestors vulnerable to potential predation. An obviously lame dog may be in potentially serious pain, which could be a sign that the DJD has reached an advanced stage. It is, therefore, especially important to monitor aging canines and those with a possible predisposition for subtle early warning signs, such as:

• Stiffness — often noticeable as your dog moves from a lying to standing position
• Lethargy — you may suddenly realize that your dog is sleeping a lot more than usual
• Irritability, especially in response to being touched in certain areas
• Inability or reluctance to jump into the car or onto furniture
• Hesitance or refusal to take stairs
• Decreased interest in activities such as walks or playtime

If you suspect that your dog might be suffering from arthritic pain, schedule an exam with your vet in order to obtain a definitive diagnosis and to formulate a plan for treatment.

What are the treatment and management recommendations?

Unfortunately, DJD is a progressive condition with no known cure. Treatment goals should include providing pain relief, fostering an improved quality of life and being as proactive as possible in delaying any further progression of this ailment. If you have a dog with arthritis, your vet may prescribe or recommend anti-inflammatory drugs, pain-relieving medications and/or joint supplements, which often contain glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), hyaluronic acid (HA) or chondroitin sulfate. For more advanced cases of this disease, an injectable, disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (such as Adequan^®) that has been designed to inhibit cartilage loss in a dog’s joints may be recommended. Alternative therapies — including acupuncture, laser therapy, aqua therapy, chiropractic adjustment and massage for dogs with arthritis — are also an option and may be used in conjunction with medication. In more severe cases, surgery to remove damaged joint tissue or to replace the joint entirely may be required.

Weight control is by far the most critical aspect of managing DJD. At an ideal body weight, you should be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily but not see them, and you should be able to see a visible waist when looking at your dog from above and a tucked-up belly when viewing your dog from the side. If you suspect that your dog needs to lose some weight, consult with your veterinarian about putting together a diet plan.

You may also find it best to modify your dog’s activity levels, perhaps retiring from high-impact events like agility or flyball and replacing them with more controlled activities, such as regular on-leash walks. It is important to keep your dog moving, even if it’s at a slower pace than what you both might be used to, as consistent low-impact exercise serves to maintain the tone of muscles that promote joint stability and helps to combat overall stiffness.

You may want to place an orthopedic dog bed or two around the house (away from cold or damp areas) to help alleviate joint pressure as your pet rests. You may also provide carpeted steps or a ramp to help your pet get up onto or down from higher resting spots, such as the bed or couch. Many owners might also wish to place additional non-skid runner rugs throughout the home to help their arthritic dogs navigate slippery footing more easily.

Fortunately, dogs often live comfortably for years following a DJD diagnosis, so long as proactive steps are taken to manage this condition.

I want to learn more about pet health and nutrition.

Foot rot is defined as a contagious disease in cloven-hoofed mammals that causes inflammation of the foot and subsequent lameness (Blood and Radositis, 1989). Lameness in all sectors of the beef industry can lead to decreased performance. It is estimated that approximately 20% of lameness in all cattle — dairy and beef — is attributed to foot rot (Step, et al., 2016). However, in the beef industry alone, it is estimated that closer to 75% of all diagnosed lameness in cattle is attributed to foot rot (Currin et al., 2009). Cattle in the feedlot have been reported to have close to half a pound lower average daily gains while they are combating foot rot (Brazzle, 1993). Therefore, foot rot represents a significant economic loss to the industry due to decreased performance.

What causes foot rot?

Bacteria are responsible for the cause of foot rot. The main foot rot-causing bacteria in cattle is Fusobacterium necrophorum, a ubiquitous bacterium found in the environment. Researchers have isolated it on the surface of healthy feet, in the rumen and in the feces of beef cattle. Other bacteria that are present on healthy feet can increase the virulence of F. necrophorum and, therefore, increase the incidence of foot rot (Currin et al., 2009). It is not until there is an injury to the foot — caused by walking on rough surfaces or standing in wet, damp and/or muddy conditions, resulting in a weakening of the foot tissues — that the bacteria sets in and wreaks havoc on the foot. Another common cause of foot rot is when cattle quickly go from wet conditions to dry conditions. This can cause the skin to become chapped and cracked, giving F. necrophorum a chance to enter the tissues of the hoof. Mineral deficiencies in zinc, selenium and copper are also known causes of foot rot (NRC, 2017). Because foot rot can be caused by a ubiquitous bacterium, it is not considered contagious.

Symptoms of foot rot

Clinical foot rot will present with the following symptoms:

1. Extreme pain, leading to the sudden onset of lameness
2. Elevated body temperature
3. Bilateral swelling of the interdigital tissues, around the hairline and coronary band of the hoof. The swelling may lead to greater-than-normal separation of the claws
4. Necrotic lesions in the interdigital space, with a foul odor
5. Decreased feed intake

These symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other foot issues that are common in beef cattle. For example, digital dermatitis, commonly referred to as hairy heel wart, is often mistaken for foot rot when cattle become lame (Step et al., 2016). However, digital dermatitis only affects the skin in the heel bulb area and up to the area of the dew-claw. Digital dermatitis also does not produce a foul odor, is more centralized and is contagious.

How to treat foot rot

Once the proper diagnosis is made, foot rot can be treated. Treatment for foot rot is most successful when completed early, toward the beginning of its onset. The most common method of treatment is via tetracycline antibiotics (Currin et al., 2016). It is crucial to consult a local veterinarian for recommendations about antibiotics and the proper dosage levels. Other common treatments include rubbing a sterilized rope or twine between the animal’s toes to remove the necrotic tissue, followed by applying a topical antimicrobial and simply keeping the foot clean and dry while antibiotic treatment is given.

There are practices that can help reduce the risk of foot rot in a herd. For example, if caused by wet and muddy conditions, ensure proper drainage and the sloping of pastures or barns, such that moisture doesn’t collect in locations where cattle often congregate. Additionally, smoothing rough areas and ensuring that pastures and pens are kept clear of sharp debris that can cause abrasions or scratches to the hooves can help keep foot rot at bay. Simply ensuring that cattle are fed proper levels of minerals has shown to reduce the incidence of foot rot. Zinc is known to be critical for maintaining the integrity of the skin and hoof (NRC, 2016); thus, zinc should be fed at proper levels — and even elevated levels, if foot rot is known to be a common issue (Kellems and Church, 2010). Organic complexes of zinc are commonly included in beef diets at normal levels. However, with the increased bioavailibity of zinc in its organic form, it is wise to ensure the proper zinc status of the herd to reduce the incidence of foot rot. Although iodine is not known to be a mineral involved directly in foot integrity, dietary EDDI, a common source of iodine used in mineral supplements and premixes, has shown to be beneficial in the prevention of foot rot.

Foot rot is a significant cause of lameness in beef cattle and can result in a major economic and production loss in some herds. Although foot rot-causing bacteria can be found everywhere and are sometimes unavoidable, quick treatment early on and practicing proper pasture and pen maintenance can help to reduce the chances of clinical foot rot in beef cattle. Also, making sure the zinc and iodine levels are properly maintained during all stages of production in forms such as EDDI and organic complexes such as Alltech’s Bioplex Zinc can maximize protection against foot rot.

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It’s completely natural to assign human traits and emotions to our animals. After all, anthropomorphism is considered an innate tendency of human psychology. But what happens when this desire to humanize our four-legged friends goes too far? Take laminitis, for instance: a common cause of this highly painful, debilitating and potentially life-threatening disease is overfeeding — so could we actually be killing our horses with kindness?

Laminitis: What is it?

The literal definition of laminitis is inflammation of the laminae — the non-sensitive, outer epidermal tissue, as well as the sensitive, inner dermal tissue between the hoof wall and coffin bone — on a horse’s foot. These tissues mesh together to hold the hoof wall to the coffin bone (also known as the pedal bone). If the blood flow to these tissues is interrupted, inflammation can set in and weaken the laminae structures, thereby interfering with the connection between the hoof wall and coffin bone. This condition can affect just one foot or all four, but it most commonly affects the front feet at the same time and does not discriminate — it can impact any horse or pony.

Unless the cause of the inflammation is removed and treatment begins immediately at the first signs of laminitis, the dermal laminae will begin to die. Since they are responsible for significant support in the hoof, which bears the horse’s weight, the coffin bone may begin to sink and rotate due to the inability of the damaged laminae to support both the bone and the pull of the digital flexor tendon. The bone may even sink far enough to protrude from the sole of the foot. This is often irreversible but can occasionally be cured with a great deal of time and patience, along with a significant financial investment.

What causes it?

Several factors can play a role, but animals who are overweight or have previously suffered from laminitis are especially at risk. Common causes include:

• An excess intake of carbohydrates, either from overfeeding of grain, grain overload from a horse or pony getting into a feed room, or unrestricted access to lush pasture grasses
• The stress of a change in environment, frequent travel or foaling in broodmares
• Septicemic conditions, severe infections or retained placenta in mares post-foaling
• Obesity, particularly in ponies
• Lameness, which prevents the bearing of weight in one leg, leading to overloading of another limb
• Concussion to the hoof from working unshod on hard ground or from an overzealous hoof trim
• Metabolic disorders, such as Cushing’s disease

What are the signs?

The symptoms of acute laminitis are typically sudden and severe and include:

• Inability or reluctance to walk
• Lying down, combined with an unwillingness to stand
• Readily apparent lameness, especially when moving in a circle or walking on a hard surface
• Increased digital pulse
• Leaning back onto hind feet in an attempt to relieve the pressure on front feet
• Pain at the point of the frog and walking heel-first instead of toe-first

Chronic laminitis, also known as founder, can instead come on gradually and is often the result of either a sustained diet rich in carbohydrates or a metabolic disorder. It can also manifest in horses whose feet are severely compromised as the result of a previous, non-fatal, acute episode. Horses afflicted with chronic laminitis will typically exhibit the following symptoms:

• Lameness that ranges from mild to moderate
• A willingness to stand and walk, despite obvious foot pain
• Irregular bands of growth in the hoof wall
• Heels that grow faster than toes
• White line widening
• A noticeable crest running along the neckline
• Changed foot shape, often becoming narrow and elongated

Treatment

If you witness any of the above symptoms in your horse, contact both your veterinarian and farrier immediately. You will need to develop and administer a treatment plan as quickly as possible to prevent any lasting damage and to relieve any associated pain. When not treated quickly or correctly, permanent damage from laminitis can result in euthanasia.

• Horses who have been overfed must immediately be separated from their feed source; consult with your vet on a revised feeding regimen
• Move the horse or pony to a small pen or stall and bed deeply with shavings so they can dig their hooves into a comfortable position
• Avoid exercise, as it may initially contribute to further rotation of the coffin bone
• Have your farrier consult with your vet and trim the hoof according to the degree of rotation of the coffin bone
• Provide the horse with a companion to help minimize stress

Prevention

• Monitor your horse’s diet and weight very carefully
• Feed small amounts frequently to mimic a horse’s natural feeding patterns
• Restrict grass intake and avoid turning out on lush grasses, particularly in early spring or after heavy rains
• Maintain a consistent exercise regimen to aid in weight management
• Regularly schedule visits with a reputable farrier
• Support hoof strength and growth by offering high-quality nutrition and premium equine supplements, such as Lifeforce Hoof

This disease is very painful and incapacitating for horses. Remember that prevention is always better than a cure. As Albert Einstein said, “A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it.”

I want to learn more about equine health and management recommendations.

Every producer knows that when a beef cow is healthy, her calf has a much better chance of being healthy, too. Trace mineral nutrition is key for maintaining healthy cattle at all life stages. Colostrum quality, calf weight and immune function are among the many benefits from supplementing organic trace minerals in cattle. A study done in 2017 at the University of Florida and published in The Professional Animal Scientist evaluated the response of 160 Angus (AN) and Brangus (BN) cows and their calves to inorganic (ING) or organic (ORG) trace mineral sources.

About the study

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the difference in performance and benefits provided by feeding organic trace minerals versus inorganic trace minerals to cattle on pasture. Beef cows supplemented with organic trace minerals received cobalt, copper, manganese and zinc in the form of Bioplex^® and selenium in the form of Sel-Plex^®. Beef cows supplemented with inorganic trace mineral products received them as sulfates and sodium selenite, respectively.

The level of mineral supplementation also varied between treatment groups:

• In the pelleted feed, the organic trace mineral treatment included 25% less copper, 13% less manganese and 29% less zinc compared to the inorganic trace mineral treatment.
• In the free-choice mineral, the organic trace mineral treatment included 45% less copper, 32% less manganese and 46% less zinc than the inorganic trace mineral treatment.

The best mineral strategy for cattle is one that fits within the producer’s operation, based on their animal requirements and budget and the benefits provided from that mineral product. Organic trace minerals, such as Bioplex and Sel-Plex, are more bioavailable and, as a result, can be added at much lower inclusion rates than the traditional inorganic sources, which not only benefits the environment but, ultimately, the health, well-being, reproductive performance and growth of the animals as well.

Effects of trace mineral source on colostrum

The University of Florida trial revealed that colostrum from lactating cows supplemented with organic trace mineral supplement sources contained 29% more immunoglobulin M (IgM mg/dL) antibodies compared to cows supplemented with inorganic trace minerals (P= 0.07). Cows supplemented with the organic trace mineral sources Bioplex and Sel-Plex also demonstrated significantly higher levels of selenium measured in colostrum —and Angus cows specifically had twice as much selenium compared to their inorganic counterparts (P ≤ 0.001).

The study results also showed that the somatic cell counts (SCC) of the colostrum from Angus cows fed organic trace minerals were 67% lower than the SCC of the colostrum from cows fed inorganic trace minerals. Additionally, Brangus cows fed organic trace minerals had 14.6% lower SCC compared to cows fed inorganic trace minerals.

Effects of maternal mineral nutrition on calf weight and antibody levels

As the study progressed, the researchers at the University of Florida observed that calves from cows fed the organic trace mineral sources (Bioplex and Sel-Plex) showed a statistically significant increase in their average daily gains, weaning weights and 205-day adjusted body weights compared to calves fed inorganic trace mineral sources (P ≤ 0.01).

Calves from cows who were supplemented with Bioplex- and Sel-Plex- had 205-day adjusted body weights that were, on average, 22 pounds heavier compared to the weights of calves from cows that were provided with inorganic sources (P ≤ 0.01). Specifically, Angus calves supplemented with Bioplex and Sel-Plex minerals were 33 pounds heavier (205-day adjusted weaning weights) compared to calves from Angus cows supplemented with inorganic trace mineral sources.

The researchers also measured immunoglobulin levels and found that the immunoglobulin A (IgA mg/dL) antibody measurements for calves from cows supplemented with organic trace minerals Bioplex and Sel-Plex demonstrated a statistically significant (40.5%) increase in calf serum 24 hours after colostrum consumption compared to calves from cows provided with inorganic trace mineral sources (P = 0.04).

Bioplex^® offers a range of trace minerals that provide mineral nutrition in a form as close to nature as possible. Bioplex minerals are trace minerals that are bound to amino acids and a range of peptides. They are easily absorbed and readily metabolized, optimizing animal performance. Bioplex trace minerals (including zinc, manganese, copper, iron and cobalt*) are co-factors in the enzymes that are critical for the animal’s defense system, growth and reproduction. Learn more about Bioplex here.

Sel-Plex^® is Alltech’s proprietary organic form of selenium yeast. It is an excellent dietary source of selenium and is manufactured to mimic the selenium found in nature. The selenium in Sel-Plex is safer and better able to meet the higher requirements of livestock raised for rapid growth, reproductive performance and health. Learn more about Sel-Plex here.

I want to learn more about nutrition for my beef cattle.

[MANKATO, Minn.] – CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements, produced by Ridley, an Alltech company, has recently updated its Beef Cow Body Condition Score app. The free app helps beef cow-calf producers manage the nutrition program of their herd by tracking and monitoring body condition scores both individually and as a group.

The app offers producers the ability to snap profile pictures of their cows and compare them to reference photos of cows that represent body condition scores ranging from 1 to 9. The body condition score (BCS) that best describes each cow is saved, along with an ear tag number, within the app for future reference. Producers can then organize and track cows individually or by pasture group, view stats on animals and pastures over time and export data in CSV format via email for further analysis.

Cows can also be arranged by pasture within the app. Producers photograph a cow, enter the ear tag number and optionally assign it to a pasture. They then compare the individual photos to reference photos that are provided for each condition score (or producers can supply their own) and assign a score to the cow. The date and location are automatically recorded (if the app user allows GPS service).

These stored images can then be used as references at any point in the future in order to determine how best to manage nutrition programs and ensure that cows breed and calve in a timely manner.

Updates to the app include:

• An updated user interface that provides:
  • Faster data entry
  • Easier navigation
  • More robust help
• The ability to export records and email for more thorough spreadsheet analysis
• The ability to view BCS distribution graph for cows in each pasture in order to see a quick overview of the entire herd
• The distribution graph also shows average BCS for each pasture group
• An updated GPS tracking feature

“No one goes anywhere without their cell phone these days,” said Dan Dhuyvetter, director of marketing, research and nutrition services for Ridley Block Operations. “This is such an easy app to use and a great way to visually monitor how your nutrition program is meeting your cow herd needs. We have now made it easier to see and store your information.”

The CRYSTALYX® Beef Cow Body Condition Score app is available on iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android platforms.