Análise ultrassonográfica, radiográfica, histopatologica e biomecânica de alterações podais em bovinos

Abstract

Podal diseases are among the main causes of losses in cattle farming, compromising animal welfare and causing significant economic losses to farms. Lameness, which results from alterations in the locomotor system, can be caused by congenital anomalies, infections, metabolic conditions, or trauma. Although various conditions affecting bovine hooves have been described, studies comparing changes in soft tissues, histopathological analyses of dermal laminae, and hoof resistance in animals affected by podal diseases are rare. The study was conducted with five groups, each containing 10 animals, except for the scissor claw group (TE), which included 7 animals. The groups were classified as follows: digital dermatitis (DD), interdigital hyperplasia (HI), heel erosion (ET), control group (SA), and scissor claws (TE). The study aimed to perform an ultrasonographic evaluation of soft tissues, measuring the thickness of the keratin, corium, and adipose tissue. In addition, hoof radiographs were taken to analyze potential bone changes. After these examinations, dermal laminae were collected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE). The hooves were also subjected to biomechanical tests, including a wall tension test and a sole compression analysis. The results were compared to identify significant differences among the evaluated parameters, aiming to determine if any disease causes greater hoof compromise.