Foot rot due to Corynebacterium pyogenes infection in a cow: A Case Report

Abstract

Foot rot is a painful condition resulting in moderate to severe lameness in cattle but with early intervention and vigorous treatment, most cases will have a favourable outcome. A 4 year old Kedah-Kelantan cow weighing 250kg was presented to the large animal unit of the University Veterinary Hospital, Universiti Putra Malaysia, with the complain of lameness for 5 days. Physical examination findings were pyrexia, inappetence and lameness. Blood analysis revealed neutrophilia with left shift, while the biochemical analysis revealed an increase in aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and globulin levels. Bacterial culture from the swab samples of the cow's hoof revealed growth of Corynebacterium pyogenes. The hoof was disinfected with povidone iodine and Benacillin injection (25mg/kg), Flunixine meglumine (1.1 mg/kg) and multivitamin (10mg/kg) injections were administered intramuscularly. The hoof was washed with 5% copper sulphate solution once daily. The prognosis was good after a follow up visit one week later. Early intervention is paramount in addressing foot rot caused by bacterial organisms in cattle.