Heel Erosion

Heel erosion is a common infectious hoof condition affecting cattle, characterized by the progressive degradation and irregular wearing of the horn tissue in the heel bulb region of the hoof. This condition occurs when bacteria, particularly Dichelobacter nodosus and Fusobacterium necrophorum, invade and break down the softer horn tissue at the back of the foot. The resulting damage creates characteristic pitting, grooves, and V-shaped fissures in the heel area that compromise the structural integrity of the hoof and can lead to significant discomfort and lameness if left untreated.

Heel erosion predominantly affects dairy cattle, with prevalence rates ranging from 30 to 80 percent in some housed herds. The condition is particularly common in operations where cattle spend extended periods standing on wet, manure-contaminated surfaces. Both hind feet are more frequently affected than front feet due to their greater exposure to slurry and manure in typical housing configurations. While the condition can affect cattle of any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in mature dairy cows during lactation when they spend significant time in housing facilities.

The economic and welfare impact of heel erosion extends beyond the obvious costs of treatment. Affected cattle often demonstrate reduced feed intake, decreased milk production, impaired reproductive performance, and shortened productive lifespan. Studies have shown that cows with moderate to severe heel erosion can experience milk yield reductions of 5 to 10 percent, while the discomfort associated with the condition leads to altered standing and lying behavior that compounds other health issues. The condition also predisposes cattle to more severe lameness conditions, including sole ulcers and white line disease, by altering weight distribution across the hoof.

Heel erosion is highly treatable when identified early, and the prognosis for affected animals is generally favorable with appropriate management intervention. Early detection through regular hoof inspection and routine trimming allows for prompt treatment before significant structural damage occurs. The condition serves as an important indicator of overall foot hygiene and environmental management on the farm, making its presence a valuable signal for producers to evaluate and improve housing conditions and foot care protocols.

The primary cause of heel erosion is bacterial infection of the heel horn, with Dichelobacter nodosus being the principal pathogen involved. This gram-negative anaerobic bacterium produces proteolytic enzymes that actively break down keratin, the protein that forms the structural basis of hoof horn. Fusobacterium necrophorum frequently acts as a secondary invader, contributing to tissue destruction and inflammation. These bacteria thrive in warm, moist, anaerobic conditions, which explains why heel erosion is predominantly a problem in housed cattle exposed to slurry and wet bedding. The infection begins superficially but progressively extends deeper into the horn tissue as the bacteria continue their enzymatic degradation of the keratin matrix.

While heel erosion is not typically considered a hereditary condition, certain hoof conformational traits can predispose individual animals to developing the disease. Cattle with shallow heel depth, splayed or flat feet, or soft horn quality may be more susceptible to bacterial invasion and subsequent erosion. These conformational characteristics can be heritable traits that warrant consideration in breeding decisions for herds with persistent heel erosion problems. Additionally, some cattle appear to have inherently softer horn that is more vulnerable to bacterial attack, though environmental factors remain the primary determinants of disease occurrence.

Environmental and management factors play the dominant role in heel erosion development and are typically the most important areas for intervention. Prolonged exposure to wet conditions, particularly slurry and liquid manure, creates the ideal environment for bacterial proliferation and horn softening. Inadequate bedding, poor drainage, overcrowding, and infrequent scraping of alleys all contribute to increased moisture exposure and bacterial load. Concrete flooring without adequate grip or with abrasive surfaces can damage the heel area and provide entry points for bacteria. Housing systems that limit lying time, forcing cattle to stand for extended periods in wet conditions, significantly increase heel erosion risk.

Several risk factors influence the likelihood and severity of heel erosion in individual animals and herds. Cattle in early lactation are at increased risk due to the metabolic stresses of milk production and the hormonal changes that affect horn quality. High-producing dairy cows may spend more time standing at feed bunks and in milking parlors, increasing their exposure to wet surfaces. First-lactation heifers often experience higher rates of heel erosion as they adapt to new housing environments and social hierarchies. Nutritional factors, including inadequate biotin, zinc, and other nutrients essential for horn production, can compromise horn quality and increase susceptibility to bacterial invasion.

The pathophysiology of heel erosion involves a cascade of events beginning with horn softening due to moisture exposure. Prolonged contact with wet, alkaline slurry raises the pH of the horn surface, disrupting the normal keratinization process and making the tissue more permeable to bacterial invasion. Once bacteria establish themselves in the superficial horn layers, they produce enzymes that break down the keratin structure, creating the characteristic pitting and fissures. As erosion progresses, the underlying corium (the living tissue that produces horn) may become exposed or compromised, leading to pain and lameness. The irregular surface created by erosion also traps more debris and moisture, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of damage and infection.

Early warning signs of heel erosion are often subtle and may be overlooked without careful examination during routine hoof trimming. Initial changes include a slightly roughened or irregular texture to the heel bulb surface, with the normally smooth horn appearing dull or porous. Small pits or shallow depressions may be visible in the heel area, particularly between the heel bulbs. Affected cattle may show mild gait abnormalities, taking slightly shorter strides with the affected limb or appearing to walk more cautiously on hard surfaces. Some animals may exhibit subtle weight shifting while standing, though this can be difficult to detect in early stages.

As heel erosion progresses, the symptoms become more apparent across different cattle within the herd. Dairy cows commonly show the characteristic V-shaped grooves or fissures extending from the area between the heels toward the sole. The heel bulbs may appear uneven, with one side more severely affected than the other, or both heels showing significant erosion. In housed cattle, the hind feet typically display more severe lesions than the front feet due to their greater exposure to slurry. Some cattle develop deep grooves that separate the heel bulbs into distinct sections, giving the heel a fragmented appearance that compromises weight-bearing capacity.

Behavioral changes associated with heel erosion reflect the discomfort experienced by affected animals. Cattle with moderate erosion often show reduced feed intake and spend less time at the feed bunk, preferring instead to lie down for extended periods. Affected cows may be reluctant to walk distances, lagging behind the herd when moving to and from the milking parlor. Standing behavior changes, with affected animals frequently shifting weight between feet or standing with hind feet placed further back than normal to reduce pressure on the eroded heels. Decreased activity and altered social behavior, including reduced competitive feeding behavior, may also be observed.

Physical examination reveals the characteristic lesions of heel erosion in their various stages. Mild cases show superficial pitting and roughening confined to the outer layers of heel horn. Moderate cases demonstrate deeper grooves, V-shaped fissures, and irregular wearing of the heel bulbs that exposes darker-colored horn or underlying tissue. Severe cases may show complete loss of heel horn integrity, with deep cavities, loose flaps of undermined horn, and potential exposure of sensitive underlying structures. The affected horn often appears black or dark brown due to the accumulation of debris and bacterial pigments in the eroded areas. When the foot is lifted and cleaned, the extent of the erosion becomes fully apparent.

Symptom progression in untreated cases follows a predictable pattern of increasing severity and discomfort. What begins as superficial roughening progresses to pitting and shallow grooves over weeks to months of continued exposure to causative factors. Deep fissures and significant structural loss develop in cases where environmental conditions remain unchanged and no hoof care is provided. Advanced erosion can undermine adjacent structures, contributing to the development of secondary conditions such as sole ulcers or white line separation. In severe cases, the erosion may extend to affect the dermis, resulting in significant pain, obvious lameness, and potential for secondary infection of deeper tissues.

Emergency symptoms requiring immediate veterinary intervention include severe lameness preventing normal locomotion, evidence of infection extending beyond the horn tissue, heat and swelling in the pastern or lower leg, and signs of systemic illness such as fever or depression. While heel erosion itself rarely constitutes an emergency, its progression to involve sensitive structures or development of secondary infections warrants prompt professional attention. Cattle showing non-weight-bearing lameness, persistent recumbency, or significant reduction in milk production should receive immediate evaluation. Any signs of ascending infection or cellulitis in the lower limb require urgent veterinary care to prevent more serious complications.

Clinical examination forms the foundation of heel erosion diagnosis and typically provides sufficient information for confident identification. The examination begins with observation of the animal's gait and stance, noting any lameness, weight shifting, or abnormal foot placement. The affected foot is then lifted and thoroughly cleaned to allow detailed visual inspection of the heel area. Characteristic findings include irregular horn surface, pitting, V-shaped grooves, and loss of normal heel architecture. The examiner assesses the depth and extent of erosion, involvement of adjacent structures, and presence of any secondary complications. Hoof testers may be used to evaluate sensitivity and identify areas of particular concern.

While specific laboratory diagnostic tests are rarely necessary for routine heel erosion cases, certain situations may warrant additional investigation. Bacterial culture can identify the specific organisms involved when infection appears to be extending beyond the horn tissue or when standard treatments prove ineffective. Histopathological examination of horn samples may be useful in research settings or when distinguishing heel erosion from other conditions affecting horn quality. In herds with severe or recurrent problems, water and soil testing may help identify environmental factors contributing to the condition. Necropsy examination in fatal cases or culled animals can provide valuable information about the extent of tissue involvement and presence of concurrent conditions.

Differential diagnosis for heel erosion includes several other conditions that affect the hoof and may present with overlapping clinical signs. Digital dermatitis, also known as hairy heel warts or Mortellaro disease, causes painful erosive lesions that typically occur at the skin-horn junction rather than on the horn itself. Foot rot produces swelling, separation of the digits, and foul odor distinct from the progressive horn erosion pattern. White line disease and sole ulcers may coexist with heel erosion and must be identified for comprehensive treatment. Chronic laminitis can alter hoof conformation in ways that predispose to or mimic heel erosion patterns. Careful examination and recognition of the characteristic features of each condition allow for accurate differentiation.

Herd-level diagnostics become important when heel erosion affects a significant proportion of the cattle population or when individual treatment proves insufficient. Locomotion scoring systems allow systematic evaluation of lameness prevalence and severity across the herd, identifying trends and monitoring response to interventions. Regular hoof trimming sessions provide opportunities for systematic recording of lesion types, severity, and distribution across the herd. Analysis of these records over time can reveal seasonal patterns, identify risk factors specific to the operation, and measure the effectiveness of management changes. Environmental assessment, including evaluation of flooring surfaces, bedding quality, drainage, and moisture levels, helps identify contributing factors that require correction. Combining individual animal data with herd-level analysis provides a comprehensive picture that guides both treatment and prevention strategies.

Emergency or immediate treatment for heel erosion is rarely required, as the condition typically progresses gradually and does not usually constitute an acute crisis. However, when heel erosion has progressed to cause severe lameness or has led to secondary complications, prompt intervention becomes necessary. Severely lame cattle should be separated from the main herd and provided with clean, dry, well-bedded housing to minimize further horn damage and allow initial healing. Pain management using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs approved for cattle, such as meloxicam or flunixin meglumine, can provide relief and improve mobility. If there is evidence of infection extending beyond the horn tissue, veterinary examination is essential to determine appropriate antibiotic therapy while observing proper withdrawal times for meat and milk.

Medical management of heel erosion focuses on promoting healthy horn growth while addressing the bacterial component of the disease. Topical treatments, including footbaths containing copper sulfate, formalin, or commercial hoof care products, help control bacterial populations and harden the horn tissue. Footbath protocols typically involve solutions of 5 percent copper sulfate or 3 to 5 percent formalin, with cattle walking through the bath at least two to three times per week during active treatment phases. Individual topical application of antibiotic sprays or antibacterial powders may benefit more severely affected animals. It is critical to note that any systemic antibiotics used in food-producing animals require strict observance of withdrawal periods for milk and meat, and veterinary guidance is essential for appropriate drug selection and dosing.

Corrective hoof trimming represents a cornerstone of heel erosion treatment and management. Professional hoof trimming removes damaged and undermined horn, restores proper hoof balance, and reduces pressure on affected areas. The trimmer works to establish appropriate heel height and toe length while carefully debriding loose or necrotic horn from eroded areas. In cases where erosion is more severe on one claw, a block or lift may be applied to the healthier claw to transfer weight bearing and allow the affected heel to recover. Regular trimming intervals, typically every four to six months for dairy cattle, help maintain hoof health and allow monitoring of healing progress.

Supportive care for cattle with heel erosion emphasizes environmental modification and nutritional support. Moving affected animals to well-drained, dry housing with ample clean bedding reduces ongoing moisture exposure and promotes horn healing. Rubber matting in high-traffic areas can reduce mechanical trauma to healing heels. Nutritional supplementation with biotin at rates of 20 milligrams per day has been shown to improve horn quality over time, though effects may take several months to become apparent. Ensuring adequate zinc, copper, and other trace minerals in the diet supports optimal horn production. Providing comfortable lying areas encourages cattle to rest, reducing standing time and pressure on affected feet.

Herd treatment protocols address heel erosion at the population level through systematic interventions. Implementing regular footbath programs for all cattle helps control bacterial populations and prevent new cases. Scheduled hoof trimming for the entire herd ensures early detection and treatment of affected animals while maintaining overall foot health. Environmental improvements, including better drainage, increased scraping frequency, and improved bedding management, benefit all animals and reduce disease pressure. Group treatment protocols allow efficient use of labor and resources while ensuring consistent care across the herd.

Treatment decision factors for heel erosion in cattle operations must balance animal welfare, economic considerations, and practical constraints. For individual animals, factors include the severity of erosion, presence of secondary complications, stage of lactation, and overall value of the animal. Mild to moderate cases typically respond well to conservative management and have good prognosis for full recovery. Severe cases with extensive tissue damage may require more intensive intervention and longer recovery periods. In some instances, particularly when heel erosion is complicated by other chronic foot conditions or when cattle are at the end of their productive life, culling may be the most practical option. Producers should work with their veterinarian and hoof trimmer to develop treatment protocols appropriate for their operation and to establish criteria for treatment versus culling decisions.

Recovery timelines for heel erosion vary considerably depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of management changes implemented. Mild cases with superficial horn damage may show significant improvement within four to six weeks of beginning treatment, particularly if environmental conditions are adequately addressed. Moderate cases with deeper grooves and fissures typically require three to six months for substantial healing, as new horn must grow from the coronary band to replace damaged tissue. Severe cases involving extensive horn loss may take six months to a year for complete resolution, and some structural changes may persist permanently. Horn grows at approximately five millimeters per month, so complete replacement of damaged heel horn requires patience and ongoing supportive care.

Post-treatment care and monitoring are essential for successful recovery and prevention of recurrence. Regular foot inspections, ideally during routine hoof trimming sessions, allow tracking of healing progress and early detection of any setbacks. The frequency of footbath treatments may be reduced once active lesions have resolved, but ongoing preventive protocols should be maintained. Locomotion scoring provides an objective measure of improvement that complements visual assessment of the hoof. Recording of lesion scores and healing progress helps establish realistic expectations and identifies animals that may need additional intervention. Continued attention to environmental factors that contributed to the initial problem is essential to prevent recurrence.

Prognosis factors for heel erosion recovery include the severity and duration of the condition, the age and overall health of the animal, and the degree to which contributing environmental factors can be corrected. Animals with mild to moderate erosion that receive prompt treatment and benefit from environmental improvements have excellent prognosis for complete recovery. Cattle with severe erosion or long-standing disease may experience prolonged recovery and may retain some permanent changes in hoof conformation. Young animals generally heal faster than older cattle, and animals in good body condition with adequate nutrition recover more quickly than those that are compromised. The most significant prognostic factor is often the ability to correct the environmental conditions that caused the problem, as continued exposure to causative factors will prevent healing regardless of other interventions.

Return to production considerations for cattle recovering from heel erosion involve balancing animal welfare with operational needs. Milk production may improve gradually as lameness resolves and cattle become more comfortable moving to and from the milking parlor and spending time at the feed bunk. Reproductive performance, which is often impaired in lame cattle, typically improves as mobility returns to normal. Cattle recovering from heel erosion should be monitored for signs of other foot conditions that may have developed secondary to altered weight bearing. Decisions about breeding, continued lactation, and eventual culling should consider the individual animal's recovery trajectory and likelihood of maintaining long-term foot health.

While there are no vaccines available for heel erosion, immunological approaches to related digital dermatitis are under investigation and may eventually contribute to comprehensive foot health programs. The bacterial nature of heel erosion makes vaccination development challenging due to the multiple organisms involved and the importance of environmental factors in disease expression. Current prevention efforts focus primarily on reducing bacterial exposure and improving host resistance through management interventions. Producers should stay informed about advances in foot disease prevention and work with their veterinarians to implement evidence-based protocols as they become available.

Biosecurity measures for heel erosion center on controlling the bacterial reservoirs and transmission pathways within the farm environment. While the condition is not typically introduced from outside sources in the same way as some infectious diseases, purchased cattle can bring more virulent bacterial strains into a herd. Isolating new additions and inspecting their feet before introduction allows identification and treatment of any existing foot problems. Equipment used for hoof trimming should be cleaned and disinfected between farms to prevent transfer of bacteria. Within the farm, reducing environmental bacterial load through improved hygiene is the most effective biosecurity approach.

Nutritional prevention of heel erosion focuses on supporting optimal horn quality and overall immune function. Biotin supplementation at 20 milligrams per head per day has demonstrated benefits for horn hardness and integrity in multiple studies. Adequate zinc nutrition is essential for keratin production and epithelial health, with organic zinc sources potentially offering improved bioavailability. Copper, manganese, and other trace minerals play supporting roles in horn formation and should be provided at recommended levels. Balanced protein and energy nutrition supports overall health and allows cattle to mount effective immune responses to bacterial challenges. Avoiding nutritional imbalances that can trigger subclinical laminitis helps maintain normal hoof structure and reduces susceptibility to erosion.

Management practices for heel erosion prevention address the environmental and husbandry factors that contribute to disease development. Maintaining dry flooring through adequate drainage, frequent scraping of alleys, and proper ventilation reduces moisture exposure. Providing ample comfortable lying space with clean, dry bedding encourages cattle to rest rather than stand in wet areas. Rubber matting in high-traffic areas reduces mechanical trauma to heels. Avoiding overcrowding reduces competition for lying space and feed bunk access. Regular footbath programs, even in herds without active disease, help control bacterial populations and condition the horn. Routine hoof trimming maintains proper foot balance and allows early detection of developing problems.

Quarantine and testing protocols for heel erosion differ from those used for highly contagious reportable diseases but remain important for herd health management. New animal introductions should be examined by a veterinarian or trained hoof trimmer, with any foot problems identified and treated before the animal joins the main herd. A quarantine period of two to four weeks allows observation for foot problems that may not be immediately apparent and provides time for any necessary treatment. Regular herd monitoring through locomotion scoring and systematic hoof inspection during trimming serves as ongoing surveillance for foot health issues. While specific testing for heel erosion bacteria is not routine, maintaining records of foot lesion prevalence and types allows tracking of herd foot health status over time.

Daily management and monitoring for heel erosion prevention requires consistent attention to environmental conditions and animal behavior. Visual observation of cattle during feeding and movement identifies animals that may be developing lameness before lesions become severe. Monitoring the condition of flooring surfaces, bedding, and walkways allows prompt correction of problems that increase disease risk. Daily or twice-daily scraping of alleys in free-stall barns removes accumulated manure and reduces moisture exposure. Checking that footbaths are properly maintained with fresh solution at correct concentration ensures their effectiveness. Recording any observations of lameness or foot problems allows tracking of trends and early intervention.

Housing and environmental management form the foundation of heel erosion control in cattle operations. Free-stall barns should provide adequate lying space with comfortable, dry bedding to encourage resting behavior. Flooring surfaces should offer good traction without being abrasive, with proper slope for drainage. Grooved or textured concrete improves footing while allowing effective cleaning. Avoiding standing water in alleys and around water troughs reduces moisture exposure. Adequate ventilation helps keep flooring drier by reducing humidity and promoting evaporation. For cattle on pasture, providing hardstanding areas around gates, water points, and feeding areas prevents the creation of muddy conditions that contribute to heel erosion.

Herd health programs for foot health should integrate heel erosion prevention with management of other lameness conditions. Regular scheduled hoof trimming for all cattle, typically twice yearly for dairy cows, maintains proper foot balance and allows early detection of problems. Footbath protocols should be appropriate for the specific conditions on the farm, with copper sulfate or formalin baths applied two to three times weekly during periods of higher risk. Lameness detection systems, whether formal locomotion scoring programs or trained observation by farm staff, enable early identification and treatment of affected animals. Collaboration between producers, veterinarians, and professional hoof trimmers ensures comprehensive and coordinated foot health management.

Record keeping and monitoring provide the data necessary for effective heel erosion management decisions. Individual animal records should document foot lesions identified at each trimming, treatments applied, and response to treatment. Herd-level summaries of lesion prevalence, types, and severity allow tracking of foot health status over time and evaluation of intervention effectiveness. Locomotion scores recorded regularly provide an objective measure of lameness prevalence that complements trimming records. Analysis of foot health data alongside production records may reveal relationships between lameness and milk yield, reproduction, and culling that demonstrate the economic impact of foot problems and justify investment in prevention.

Economic considerations for heel erosion management influence decisions about prevention and treatment investments. The cost of heel erosion to dairy operations includes reduced milk production, impaired reproduction, increased labor for treatment and management, professional hoof trimming fees, treatment supplies, and premature culling. Studies have estimated the cost of lameness at $75 to $300 or more per case depending on severity and duration. Prevention investments, including improved flooring, footbath programs, and regular professional trimming, typically provide positive returns through reduced disease incidence and improved productivity. Producers should work with their veterinarian and financial advisors to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different prevention and treatment approaches for their specific situation. Investing in prevention is generally more economical than treating established disease and provides animal welfare benefits alongside financial returns.

High-risk breeds and types for heel erosion include dairy cattle, particularly Holstein-Friesians, which predominate in modern dairy operations. The intensive management systems typical of dairy production, with extended periods of housing on concrete surfaces, create conditions favorable for heel erosion development. Holsteins may also have genetic tendencies toward softer horn and flatter feet that increase susceptibility. Brown Swiss and other large-framed dairy breeds face similar risk profiles. Beef cattle, while generally at lower risk due to more extensive management systems, can develop heel erosion when housed in confined feedlot conditions, particularly during wet seasons or in poorly drained facilities.

Production type considerations significantly influence heel erosion risk. High-producing dairy cows face elevated risk due to longer standing times associated with more frequent milking and greater time at feed bunks. The metabolic demands of high milk production may also compromise horn quality by diverting nutrients from structural tissues. First-lactation heifers experience higher rates of foot problems including heel erosion as they adapt to adult housing and lactation stress. Dry cows and heifers housed on straw yards or pasture have lower risk, but this increases rapidly when they enter lactation and confinement housing. Feedlot cattle, particularly those finished in wet conditions or on concrete surfaces, can experience significant heel erosion problems that may not be evident until slaughter.

Genetic selection and testing for heel erosion resistance is an emerging area of research with potential for future application. Studies have identified moderate heritability for various hoof health traits, suggesting that selective breeding could reduce disease incidence. Some breeding organizations now include hoof health in their genetic evaluations, though specific selection for heel erosion resistance is not yet common. Producers can contribute to genetic improvement by recording foot health data and selecting bulls with favorable hoof health evaluations in their daughters. Selecting for improved hoof conformation, including appropriate heel depth and horn hardness, may indirectly reduce heel erosion susceptibility. As genomic tools advance, more precise selection for resistance to specific foot diseases including heel erosion may become possible.

Commonly co-occurring conditions with heel erosion include several other foot diseases that share environmental risk factors or develop secondary to altered weight bearing. Digital dermatitis frequently occurs alongside heel erosion, with the moist conditions that promote one disease also favoring the other. White line disease may develop when heel erosion alters hoof mechanics and places abnormal stress on the white line junction. Sole ulcers can result from the changes in weight distribution caused by heel erosion pain, as cattle shift weight away from the eroded heels onto other parts of the sole. Double sole formation may occur as the hoof responds to chronic inflammation associated with erosion.

Conditions with similar symptoms to heel erosion require differentiation for appropriate treatment. Digital dermatitis causes painful, erosive lesions but typically affects the skin at the heel-horn junction rather than the horn itself, and often presents with characteristic strawberry-like granulation tissue. Foot rot produces interdigital swelling and separation with foul odor, distinct from the horn erosion pattern. Chronic laminitis can alter hoof conformation and create abnormal wear patterns that may resemble erosion. Horizontal groove formation from previous illness or stress events affects horn quality but occurs in bands rather than the V-shaped patterns of heel erosion. Recognizing the characteristic features of each condition allows targeted treatment approaches.

Complications and sequelae of untreated or severe heel erosion can significantly impact animal welfare and productivity. Progressive erosion may eventually expose the underlying dermis, creating painful lesions that cause marked lameness. Secondary bacterial infection of exposed tissues can lead to deeper infections including septic pedal arthritis in severe cases. Chronic heel erosion contributes to altered hoof conformation and mechanics that predispose to other conditions over time. Animals with persistent heel erosion may develop compensatory lameness issues in other limbs due to abnormal weight bearing. The cumulative effect of heel erosion and associated conditions often leads to premature culling, representing both an economic loss and welfare concern.