Cowslip (bovine podiatry)

Not to be confused with Primula veris.

In bovine podiatry, a cowslip is a tough plastic shoe used to treat lameness in cattle. It is applied onto the healthy claw (one side of the cloven hoof) with glue and allowed to set. The cowslip will raise the damaged claw off the ground and allow it to heal. The cowslip will slough in about 4–6 weeks and this is a principal advantage over a nail-on shoe which needs to be actively removed.

Cowslips need to be applied to a clean claw. An angle grinder is sometimes used to clean off debris from the claw. The outer layer of the healthy and clean claw can also be ground lightly to provide a rough surface for the glue to adhere to. In cold climates, a hairdryer can be used whilst applying the glue to allow it to set quicker ( 1–2 minutes). While setting the glue, the shoe needs to be held in place. After 4–6 weeks natural hoof growth will slough off the shoe.

References

• Blowey, Roger (May 1996). "Cowslips, the alternative to the foot block". The Bovine Practitioner. doi:10.21423/bovine-vol1996no30p51-52.
• Dhoolappa, M; Prasad, R V; Lakshmishree, K T; Sundareshanp, S; Umesh, B U; Sampathkumar, M (24 February 2020). "Preparation of Cowslips from Rubber Wastes to Protect the Hoof of Animals - An Innovative Approach". Indian Journal of Animal Research. doi:10.18805/ijar.B-3660. S2CID 216244646.
• Blowey, R.; Girdler, C.; Thomas, C. (June 1999). "Persistence of foot blocks used in the treatment of lame cows". Veterinary Record. 144 (23): 642–643. doi:10.1136/vr.144.23.642. PMID 10399247. S2CID 39666413.