Review of digital anatomy, infectious causes of lameness, and regional intravenous perfusion in cattle

Abstract

Digital disorders in cattle constitute the majority of lameness issues that bovine practitioners will encounter.  Treatment of many digital infections in cattle can be facilitated in part by regional limb perfusions of either local anesthetics, antibiotics, or both. This article reviews infectious causes of digital disease, relevant clinical anatomy, use of various perfusates and tourniquet types in regional intravenous perfusions in cattle, and potential complications associated with the procedure.