This video documents the "Hoof GP" on a follow-up visit to a bull previously treated for a deep white line gouge. Despite initial improvements, the bull was still uncomfortable, leading the farmer to suspect the previously applied hoof block was causing a new problem. The video details the careful and dangerous process of getting the large, unpredictable bull into the crush. Upon examination, the original white line gouge was found to have healed. However, a new, painful issue was identified: an underrun toe on the inner claw, which had developed an active lesion on its dorsal wall due to pressure. The Hoof GP meticulously trims away the excess horn and cleans the lesion, explaining why toe issues are particularly debilitating for heavy animals. A minor problem on another hoof is also addressed. The bull is given an anti-inflammatory drug, and despite initially struggling after release, is expected to improve with ongoing care.
Addressing the Bull's Persistent Lameness: A Hoof GP's Follow-Up
0:00 Initial Problem & Return Visit: The video opens with "The Hoof GP" returning to treat a bull for persistent lameness, approximately 1.5 months after the initial trim and application of a hoof block.
0:45 Re-evaluation and Farmer's Concern: The farmer initially believed the bull showed no improvement, but it's revealed he's much better, though the farmer now suspects the applied block is causing a new problem.
1:15 Handling a Dangerous Animal: The Hoof GP emphasizes the inherent dangers of working with bulls, highlighting their unpredictable nature and the importance of extreme caution when moving them into the crush.
2:40 Initial Hoof Status: Review of the bull's front left foot, which was previously treated for a deep white line gouge on the outer claw, with a block applied to offload weight.
3:12 Block Removal and Initial Inspection: The block is easily removed, and the Hoof GP inspects the inner claw, concerned about potential ulceration from the concentrated weight. No immediate issues are found here.
5:30 Original Problem Healed: The deep white line gouge on the outer claw, the original source of pain, is confirmed to have completely healed.
5:55 New Diagnosis: Underrun Toe & Dorsal Wall Lesion: The primary issue is now identified as an "underrun" toe on the inner claw, characterized by multiple layers of hoof horn and a crack. This led to an active lesion on the dorsal wall, causing significant pain due to the constant pressure on the toe during walking.
8:48 Treatment of the Lesion: Loose horn is carefully removed from the affected area, and iodine is applied to the open lesion to promote healing.
9:28 Addressing a Secondary Issue: A small white line problem is also found and treated on the bull's back right foot by applying glue (without a full block) to the inside claw to redistribute weight.
9:57 Post-Treatment Care & Outlook: The bull, being an ongoing project, is prescribed Metacam, an anti-inflammatory drug, to manage pain and reduce swelling. Although he appears uncomfortable initially after leaving the crush, he quickly attempts to return to the field, indicating improvement.