Cowslip (bovine podiatry)
Encyclopedia
In bovine podiatry
, a cowslip is a tough plastic shoe
used to treat lameness in cattle
. It is applied onto the healthy claw
(one side of the cloven hoof
) with glue and allowed to set. The cowslip will raise the damaged claw off the ground and allow it to heal. The cowslip will slough in about 4–6 weeks and this is a principal advantage over a nail-on shoe which needs to be actively removed.
Cowslips need to be applied to a clean claw. An angle grinder
is sometimes used to clean off debris from the claw. The outer layer of the healthy and clean claw can also be grinded lightly to provide a rough surface for the glue to adhere to. In cold climates, a hairdryer can be used whilst applying the glue to allow it to set quicker ( 1–2 minutes). While setting the glue, the shoe needs to be held in place. After 4–6 weeks natural hoof growth will slough off the shoe.
Bovine podiatry
Bovine podiatry is a branch of veterinary medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of the defects of a bovine hoof....
, a cowslip is a tough plastic shoe
Shoe
A shoe is an item of footwear intended to protect and comfort the human foot while doing various activities. Shoes are also used as an item of decoration. The design of shoes has varied enormously through time and from culture to culture, with appearance originally being tied to function...
used to treat lameness in cattle
Cattle
Cattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
. It is applied onto the healthy claw
Claw
A claw is a curved, pointed appendage, found at the end of a toe or finger in most mammals, birds, and some reptiles. However, the word "claw" is also often used in reference to an invertebrate. Somewhat similar fine hooked structures are found in arthropods such as beetles and spiders, at the end...
(one side of the cloven hoof
Cloven hoof
A cloven hoof is a hoof split into two toes. This is found on members of the mammalian order Artiodactyla. Examples of mammals that possess this type of hoof are deer and sheep. In folklore and popular culture, a cloven hoof has long been associated with the Devil.The two digits of cloven hoofed...
) with glue and allowed to set. The cowslip will raise the damaged claw off the ground and allow it to heal. The cowslip will slough in about 4–6 weeks and this is a principal advantage over a nail-on shoe which needs to be actively removed.
Cowslips need to be applied to a clean claw. An angle grinder
Angle grinder
An angle grinder, also known as a side or disc grinder, is a handheld power tool used for cutting, grinding and polishing.Angle grinders can be powered by an electric motor, petrol engine or compressed air. The motor drives a geared head at a right-angle on which is mounted an abrasive disc or a...
is sometimes used to clean off debris from the claw. The outer layer of the healthy and clean claw can also be grinded lightly to provide a rough surface for the glue to adhere to. In cold climates, a hairdryer can be used whilst applying the glue to allow it to set quicker ( 1–2 minutes). While setting the glue, the shoe needs to be held in place. After 4–6 weeks natural hoof growth will slough off the shoe.
External links
- Cowslips. cowslips.com. Giltspur Scientific Ltd.