An angiographic evaluation of vascular changes in sole lesions in the hooves of cattle.

In an angiographic study of vascular changes in sole lesions in cattle hooves, it was shown that hooves with sole haemorrhage at the ulcer site in the outer hind claw had constriction of the lumen of the terminal part of the proper digital artery. Severe constriction or occlusion of the lumen of the terminal part of the proper digital artery was seen in hooves with a developing sole ulcer. An avascular area at the ulcer site was seen in hooves with an early or a fully developed sole ulcer. It is concluded that vascular changes caused by hoof pathology may have an important role in the development of sole ulcers and white line lesions in cattle.