There’s a saying that sheep are born looking for a way to die, goats are born looking for a way out, and horses are born looking for a way to get hurt. Well, I thought when I started working mainly with cattle that I would quit being exposed to such suicidal animals, until I met the bucking bull!

The young one you just turned down $50,000 for? That one is the one most likely to be injured. But (unlike some horses), cattle can heal amazingly well if you can get them veterinary attention soon after injury — and a little time off for healing.

A brief review of the anatomy reveals all the important structures in the foot. The weight-bearing toes (the inside (medial) toe on the front feet and the outside (lateral) toe on the hind feet are the most likely to be affected by hoof abscesses or conformational abnormalities. The most familiar cause of swelling in the foot is caused by a nasty bacterium that likes to grow in the soft tissues of the foot when there is compromise to the skin (i.e. very wet or very dry conditions). This is commonly referred to as foot rot and some animals will respond to an injection of antibiotic (eg. LA-200, NuFlor) and be done with it. BUT, I wouldn’t count on just a shot of an antibiotic to take care of one of my best animals. Examination of the foot may reveal deeper infections into the joints and tendons and then it takes a much longer time to clear up.

Instances of injury are very rare in the bucking chute, but when they do occur, veterinary attention should be sought immediately. Roy Carter’s S1 Captain Crook cut his right front foot. Watching him walk revealed some blood and there appeared to be a laceration involving the skin, but when sedated and examined closely, the injury was much more extensive cutting completely through the tendons and into the joint. Amputation of the medial (inside) toe was an option, but eventual breakdown of the other toe is a concern (especially since this was the weight-bearing toe!). Roy was willing to let us try to save the toe and after four months of healing at the hospital and a little down time, Captain Crook is doing great!

Sonny Arocha of C4 Bucking Bulls did not fare as well last spring when H07 was injured in the bucking chute. H07 essentially amputated his own toe. There was just one small piece of skin and no blood supply left to the digit. This injury did not appear as serious (he was still full of piss and vinegar!) until we were able to anesthetize and examine the bull well. Although this involved the weight-bearing (lateral) toe on the hind leg, amputation was the only option. A few months later, he is back to bucking and no one can tell he has only one toe.

The main point I want to get across to you all is that if there is any injury to the foot, a thorough exam and treatment may pay off in the end. The longer you let it go and try to treat with just a shot, the less likely we will be able to help you. Warning: Time, and a great deal of expense may be involved, but for most of these guys, you have to admit that they are worth it!!