There usually is a sudden onset of mild to severe lameness with swelling of the coronet and interdigital space. The interdigital space often is necrotic and fissured, with a characteristic foul odor but little exudate. Body temperature is often elevated, appetite reduced, and body condition lost. Affected animals will not aggressively approach the feedbunk. Grazing is reduced in pastured animals.
Breeding bulls are incapacitated, especially if a hind foot is involved.
Differential diagnosis includes:
• foreign bodies in the interdigital space,
• interdigital dermatitis (hairy heel warts),
• interdigital hyperplasia (corns),
• wire or twine nooses around a foot or claw,
• sole bruises and abscesses,
• toe abscesses, and
• fractures of the bones of the foot.
Suppurative changes in the joints and tendon sheaths may be found in severe cases.
Source: Iowa State Ag Extension