Livestock Veterinary Services (LVS) provides on-farm diagnosis and treatment of livestock lameness for cattle, sheep and goats. Our veterinarians work with producers to identify the causes of lameness and implement practical management strategies that support animal welfare, productivity and herd performance.
Services are delivered through our ambulatory livestock veterinary team, with referral support available through our Camden facilities as required.
Lameness in livestock refers to abnormal movement or gait caused by pain or dysfunction in the feet, limbs or joints. It may affect a single animal or occur across multiple animals within a herd or flock.
Lameness is a clinical sign rather than a diagnosis and often requires veterinary assessment to identify the underlying cause.
Lameness is a significant concern for production animals as it directly affects animal welfare, mobility and comfort. In cattle, sheep and goats, untreated lameness can result in reduced weight gain, decreased milk yield, impaired fertility and increased culling rates.
Early identification and management are essential to minimise productivity losses and prevent long-term herd-level impacts.
| Species | Early signs | Advanced signs |
|---|---|---|
| Cattle | Shortened stride, arched back, uneven weight‑bearing | Obvious limp, swelling, inability to bear weight |
| Sheep | Lagging behind mob, stiff gait | Severe limping, reluctance to stand |
| Goats | Reduced climbing or jumping, stiffness | Refusal to stand, joint swelling |
Lameness is commonly caused by a combination of hoof, joint, infectious and management‑related factors.
Hoof lesions and disorders such as laminitis, sole ulcers and foot rot are among the most frequent causes of lameness in livestock.
Bacterial infections, including digital dermatitis and foot abscesses, can result in pain, swelling and rapid onset lameness.
Trauma, arithiritis and structural abnormalities may affect mobility, particularly in older or heavily managed animals.
Wet or unhygienic conditions, inappropriate nutrition, housing design and handling practices can increase lameness risk within herds or flocks.
Assessing animals in a familiar environment reduces stress and handling risks.
On‑farm visits allow evaluation of multiple animals, helping to identify herd‑level risks and management issues.
While not all cases are preventable, good management can reduce lameness incidence.
Routine inspection and trimming support early detection and intervention.
Balanced diets help maintain hoof quality and reduce metabolic risks.
Clean, dry conditions reduce exposure to infectious organisms and hoof damage.
Veterinary assessment is recommended for sudden, severe or worsening lameness, or when multiple animals are affected. Prompt investigation helps prevent deterioration and broader herd impacts.
Costs vary depending on herd size, diagnostics required and treatment complexity. Your veterinarian will discuss recommended investigations and expected costs prior to proceeding.
The Livestock Veterinary Services team provides evidence‑based, practical care with experience in production animal health and herd management.
We work with producers to deliver individual on‑farm solutions and, where needed, provide access to specialist advice and diagnostics.
Hoof diseases such as foot rot, sole ulcers and laminitis are among the most common causes of lameness in cattle.
Changes in gait, uneven weight‑bearing, reluctance to move and behavioural changes may indicate lameness.
Some infectious causes, such as foot rot and digital dermatitis, can spread between animals if not managed.
Regular monitoring is recommended, with trimming schedules tailored to species, environment and production system.
You should seek veterinary advice for sudden, severe, persistent or herd‑level lameness issues.
