Curative effect of topical treatment of digital dermatitis with a gel containing activated copper and zinc chelate.
Authors: Holzhauer M, Bartels C J, van Barneveld M, Vulders C, Lam T
Journal: The Veterinary record
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Topical Copper-Zinc Gel for Bovine Digital Dermatitis Digital dermatitis remains a significant production and welfare concern in dairy cattle, with painful ulcerative lesions (M2 stage) requiring effective treatment protocols. Holzhauer and colleagues conducted a clinical trial across five dairy farms comparing a water-based gel containing activated copper and zinc chelate (Intra Hoof-fit) against standard chlortetracycline spray for treating M2 lesions, with cure defined as progression to either healed (M0) or non-painful chronic (M4) status by day 28. The copper-zinc formulation demonstrated markedly superior efficacy, achieving cure rates of 92% (95% CI 0.84–0.96) versus 58% (95% CI 0.47–0.68) for chlortetracycline. These results suggest that chelated mineral-based topical treatments may offer a more effective alternative to antibiotic spray protocols, potentially reducing reliance on antimicrobials whilst improving healing outcomes—a consideration of increasing relevance given antimicrobial stewardship concerns in veterinary practice. Practitioners managing digital dermatitis should consider incorporating copper-zinc gel formulations into their treatment algorithms, particularly for acute M2 lesions where rapid pain resolution and lesion transition are priorities.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Copper and zinc gel formulations show substantially higher cure rates than antibiotic sprays for active digital dermatitis in dairy cattle
- •Consider switching from chlortetracycline spray to copper/zinc gel topical treatments for improved clinical outcomes in M2 lesions
Key Findings
- •Copper and zinc chelate gel (IHF) achieved 92% cure rate (CI 0.84-0.96) for M2 BDD lesions by day 28
- •Chlortetracycline spray achieved 58% cure rate (CI 0.47-0.68) for M2 BDD lesions by day 28
- •IHF treatment was significantly more effective than CTC spray in healing painful ulcerative digital dermatitis