Interdigital Hyperplasia (Corn) in Cattle

Interdigital hyperplasia, commonly known as a "corn," is a fibrous proliferation of skin in the interdigital space of cattle, often associated with chronic irritation, poor hoof conformation, or interdigital dermatitis. This lesion can cause lameness, secondary infections, and discomfort, particularly in heavy, older bulls or animals housed in wet, unhygienic environments.

Definition:

Interdigital Hyperplasia: Firm, fibrous mass in the interdigital space of cattle's feet, also known as interdigital fibroma or corn.

Causes:

Chronic skin irritation: Grazing stubble, rocky pastures, poor hygiene.
Conditions: Interdigital dermatitis, foot rot (interdigital phlegmon).
Physical factors: Horn overgrowth, manure trapping, excessive toe splaying, breakdown of interdigital ligaments, unbalanced foot.
Hereditary predisposition: Certain breeds may inherit susceptibility.

Symptoms and Clinical Changes:

Small Lesions: Usually asymptomatic.
Large Lesions: Mechanical stress, mild to moderate lameness, severe lameness if ulcerated/infected.
Histology: Hyperkeratotic/parakeratotic skin, increased cellularity, chronic inflammation, ulceration, infection.

Diagnostics:

Clinical Examination: Assess pain response to pressure on the lesion.
Observation: Monitor for enlargement, ulceration, infection.

Treatment:

Small Lesions: May not require treatment, monitor growth.
Larger/Infected Lesions: Surgical resection is recommended.
- Pre-Surgery: Proper restraint, foot trimming, disinfection.
- Surgical Procedure: Lateral recumbency, use of tourniquet, anesthesia via intravenous regional perfusion/local injection.
- Post-Surgery: Application of antibacterial powder, sterile gauze packing, bandaging, systemic antibiotics if infected.

Mechanism of Action:

Surgical Removal: Removes hyperplastic tissue, reduces pain and lameness.
Supportive Care: Ensures proper healing, prevents infection.

After-care:

Bandages: Remove/replace based on healing time (typically one week, up to three weeks).
Environment: Keep animals in dry conditions to prevent infections.

Prevention:

Hygiene and Hoof Care: Regular hoof trimming, maintaining clean environments.
Conformation Issues: Address underlying conformation problems, consider culling affected animals or using for terminal breeding crosses only.

Important Points:

Sporadic Occurrence: Can occur in all breeds of beef and dairy cattle.
Hereditary Aspect: Interdigital hyperplasia in multiple feet of young animals suggests a hereditary factor.
Clinical Relevance: Painful lesions causing lameness are more likely to benefit from surgical removal.

For further details, refer to the AABP Fact Sheet on Interdigital Hyperplasia.

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