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Objective: To determine the prevalence rate of lameness associated with digital diseases.
Design: Cross-sectional study.
Animals: 8 industrial and 30 semi industrial dairy farms.
Procedure: With attending in the farms, lame cows were diagnosed by observation and clinical examination. Lameness was assessed according to the standard scoring method. The affected limb was carefully examined in a chute. The lesion was confirmed through clinical findings and gross pathology. The results were recorded in a self- administered questionnaire.
Statistical analysis: Chi-square test.
Result: 195 out of 1871 cases were affected in one or more feel. The prevalence rate of lameness in semi industrial farms was significantly higher than industrial ones. Foot overgrowth was the most important factor as the cause of lameness. Foot rot was seen in sporadic form. The prevalence rate of lameness in the hind limb was significantly higher than forelimb.
Clinical implication: It seems digital diseases are not prevalent in Urmia dairy farms and mainly occur sporadically. High prevalence rate of lameness in semi industrial farms is due to poor management in hoof trimming. J.Fac. Vet.Med. Univ. Tehran. 60,3:241- 246,2005.