This is the most common form of lameness in our farming system.

ALL WHITE LINE OCCURS BECAUSE OF CONCRETE NOT LANEWAYS.

It occurs when cows are under pressure and try to escape. This can be caused by overcrowding on the yard or BACKING GATES being driven too hard. Cows have their heads up in this situation on the yard.

Cows under pressure push forwards ( dominant ) and get whiteline on the hind foot, outside claw.

Heifers under pressure push backwards ( subordinate ) and get white line on the front foot, outside claw.

The white line weakens and splits and stones on the laneways push up under the wall of the hoof.

You will often see break out at the top of the wall where it has travelled to. This is often at the back of the claw like this. The wall will be split away from the sole and is often filled with gravel.

You can see how the lesion has tracked up under the wall to break out at the weak spot above it.

Treat by removing the wall around the tracking until you are back to clean tissue.

Often a block is required to take the weight off the wound.

Antibiotics AREN'T NECESSARY. Unless the wound has become infected.

Sometimes the line will track inwards to the joint instead of blowing out at the top of the wall. This is very difficult to treat and often results in amputation or culling as antibiotics can't actually get into a joint due to lack of blood supply.