Tips on treating foot rot

11 Sep 2023

Foot rot is an infection in the hooves of cows, sheep, goats and other hooved animals. Foot rot is caused by bacteria invading broken skin between the claws and through damage to the hoof itself, most often caused when a stone is lodged between the claws or hooves that have become overgrown. Boggy, wet ground can also contribute to foot rot.

It’s important to keep races, feed pads and the dairy shed clear of stones and debris to reduce the occurrence of foot rot and lameness. Trimming hooves and implementing foot baths can also help in the prevention of foot rot.

Foot rot can be identified by inspecting the hoof. You will see that the skin is broken between the claws, there may swelling, and it can often smell.

Foot rot is very painful for the animal, it is rapid and will continue to infect the hoof. However, the treatment of foot rot can be straight forward.

The stone will need to be removed if it is still present. The hoof will need to be cleaned and sprayed with FIL Footrot Aerosol, a strong antibacterial solution in a handy 250mL spray can. Spray the hoof with Footrot Aerosol for 3-5 seconds holding the can within 15cm. Keep animal on clean, dry area for 10-15 minutes before returning to clean pasture. 

To help prevent foot rot cases, you can try FIL Formalin a general-purpose disinfectant solution. Formalin kills bacteria and helps to harden hooves. Recommended best use of Formalin is as a foot bath when the hooves are completely covered, use solutions of 1 part Formalin to 15 parts cold water, allow for maximum penetration for a minimum of 30 seconds. Hold the animals in a dry area for a least have an hour before letting them onto pasture.

Head into your local rural retailer, to pick up FIL Footrot Aerosol and Formalin.

If you have on-going concerns around foot rot, contact your local large animal vet.