Cattle Husbandry Equipment | vet-n-pet DIRECT

Aesculap

Aesculap Hoof Knife Single Edge

$54.95

Genia

Genia Extra Fine Hoof Knife Single Edge

$99.95

Bainbridge

Bainbridge Metal Marking Ring Applicator

$24.95

Miscellaneous

Calving Chain Handle Economy

$24.95

Miscellaneous

Bull Holder Pliers with Chain

$36.45

Walkease Hoof Treatment Starter Kit for Cattle

Shoof

Walkease Hoof Treatment Starter Kit for Cattle

$99.95

Walkease is a hoof repair system created as an early-intervention hoof claw prosthetic. It is not intended to replace other conventional claw shoes currently on the market but to provide lower cost and faster treatment for developing hoof injuries.

The Walkease block is made from flexible EVA material that is soothing for the cow to walk on. The greatest advantage of the Walkease is its speed and ease of application.

Features of Walkease:

Fast and easy to use.
Cost effective enough to use on all early cases.
Specially developed glue and block will bond to hooves almost instantly and last for 7-20 days
Each block is supplied plastic wrapped to prevent contamination prior to use.

The Starter Kit comprises: 10 Walkease blocks, a tube of special Walkease superglue, a Walkease rasp and 10 pairs of latex gloves, all packed in a useful resealable plastic container.

For further use extra 10-packs of blocks and extra glue are available.

A practical first-purchase would be the Mixed Sizes Starter Kit. This has blocks as follows: 3 x small, 3 x medium and 4 x large. This will allow the user to determine the preferred block size for their own herd use.

Walkease blocks can be used either way up, so suit both left and right claws. The block should stay on from 7-20 days, which is generally long enough for the injured claw to have made a recovery.

Hoof Preparation

Can I use a hoof rasp?

A ‘Walkease’ rasp is supplied in the Starter Kit so the user will have a tool for final correct preparation of the hoof before application of the Walkease block. The purpose of the rasp is to flatten any humps and hollows in the hoof left by the trimming job. The rasp supplied is designed for not more than about 20 hoof preparations. For basic hoof preparation regular hoof trimming tools should be used.

Note: Any rasp must not have aggressive teeth which will leave a grooved surface. The rasp must be clean, as any surface contamination left may cause the bond to fail.

Can I use a grinding disc to prepare the hoof for the Walkease block?

Although a grinding disc is fine for hoof preparation, it is better to use a flat rasp for the final surface. This is because a disc can often leave grooves and humps and hollows. Some grinders use rough chips for their cutting action which can leave the surface rough. The best surface for attaching a Walkease block is very flat and very smooth. Remember the Walkease glue is only paper thin so will not attach in any hollows left by a grinding disc. Therefore, if a grinding disc is to be used for the final surface, it should be the type that uses sharp blades to cut the surface smoothly and it should be used very carefully.

Can Walkease be used if the good claw has little flat surface area left?

The answer is to create as much flat area as you can on the sole. This is best done with a flat rasp. The Walkease block is then glued and pressed on the hoof as normal. Even in cases where the bond covers only 50% (or less) of the block, the block will stay on remarkably well. Remember – Walkease glue has no gap filling properties.

Should I dry the hoof first?

The hoof should not be dried at all. The hoof’s natural moisture content of around 30% is perfect for activating the Walkease glue. Removing this moisture can adversely affect the performance of the glue. Following final hoof preparation with the Walkease hoof rasp, the hoof should not have anything touch it until the glued block is applied.

Using Walkease Blocks

Can I use two Walkease blocks on one hoof?

Walkease blocks can generally be attached safely to claws that are slightly damaged, although we would not recommend attaching over substantial abscesses or bruises. The Walkease glue is very thin so does not create any pressure points or fill any cavities. It is also safe to attach to flesh areas. In fact, cyanoacrylate glues are commonly used in human surgery for attaching to flesh or skin.

Do I trim the Walkease block to size?

Walkease blocks are supplied in four colour-coded sizes. First preference is to use the correct size block for the hoof being treated, so in almost all cases you should find one that fits. However, the block may need to be trimmed perhaps when the hoof is an unusual shape. If this is required, follow these guidelines:

The block should overlap the hoof outer wall by a few (4-6) millimeters so that the load bearing is contained within the block perimeter
If it is overlapping the hoof wall or heel too much the block is at risk of being caught by the hoof of another cow
The block should never be applied with the hoof wall hanging over the edge of the block

What if I drop the Walkease block in dirt?

A Walkease block can be cleaned with hot-detergent water, and then dried and kept clean until required.

Should I rasp the Walkease block?

No, this is not recommended.

Will the Walkease blocks be secure on slat floors?

If the block application has been done correctly, the blocks will handle the slats and gaps in floors. Because of their soft, flexible design Walkease don’t get jammed or ‘popped’ off like other blocks.

What if the Walkease block comes off?

If the Walkease glue is within its effective life (see section on storing glue), and the hoof was prepared as per the instructions for ‘hoof preparation’, then the blocks should not wear off for at least 10 to 14 days, even under very difficult conditions.

If a block comes off and can be recovered, examine it, as it can give a clue as to what is causing any failure. The parts of the block that were attached to the hoof will be seen to have ripped the foam. The parts that have not attached will likely show contamination or areas where the glue has not been in good contact with the hoof. Read through the instructions and it may be apparent that a step was missed or perhaps not followed fully.

Another idea is to try applying blocks to non-injured claws until you have solved the loss problem using other systems to block the injured claws. If the problem persists you should contact us, as we can offer technical advice.

Applying Walkease

Do I remove the Walkease block from the hoof?

There is no need to remove the block at any point. Unlike other types of shoes or hoof-blocks, it is not necessary to remove the Walkease block. Over its life, the Walkease block gradually compresses and thins. The Walkease glue is very thin and causes no harm to the hoof when the block wears off.

Can I apply Walkease on a tilt table crush?

Our preferred crush is a ‘stand-up’ type where each hoof can be put down for full weight bearing as soon as it is blocked. But if you do use a tilt-table crush, please be mindful of the following:

It is recommended to finish all the preparatory work on the hooves before application of the blocks. With a tilt table crush, it is more important than with a stand-up crush that the hoof preparation is perfect
The hoof sole must be very flat so that when the Walkease block is pressed against it (by hand pressure only) there is the maximum surface contact area possible. With a stand-up crush where the hoof is put down more promptly, the weight of the cow ensures the block conforms to any irregularities of the sole
The press time of the block on the hoof should be longer in a tilt table crush to compensate for the fact that the cow is not using its own weight to press the Walkease on while the glue cures

Can I use Walkease in wet weather?

As explained in the section about glue, the Walkease glue is activated by moisture. If the humidity is very low (as in freezing or desert conditions) then it may be necessary to add moisture to the glue by breathing closely on the glued block a few times. But in ‘normal’ temperate zone weather conditions, no extra moisture should be required.

The Walkease system works perfectly well, even in light rain showers. Moisture on the hoof does not negatively affect the success of the bond. However, contamination of either surface is a different matter – both the hoof sole and the block must be kept perfectly clean. The plastic cover on the block should not be removed until the block is ready to be glued.

When do I use a Walkese Wedgie block?

It is common for lame cows to be ‘down at the heel’ causing the toes to become over-grown. The Wedgie block causes the weight of the cow to move forward off the heel and more onto the toe. This can be beneficial for recovery.

Ketchum

Farm Animal Gestation Calendar

$24.95

Miscellaneous

Bull Holder - Pliers with Rope

(1)

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Organica

Organica De-Horning Balm 1L

$189.95

Genia

Genia Eye Loop Hoof Knife

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NJ Phillips

NJ Phillips Vaccinator Handy Syringe

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Jurox

Vytrate Non-Antibiotic Scour Treatment

(3)

From $45.95

Vytrate is an oral, non-antibiotic supportive treatment for replacement of lost fluids and electrolytes in scouring or dehydrated calves, pigs and lambs. Suitable as a first feed for bought in or stressed calves and pigs, and as an aid in the treatment of pregnancy toxaemia in ewes.

Features of Vytrate:

Actively fights dehydration and replaces lost fluids and electrolytes.
Reduces scour duration and severity.
Contains a balanced mix of glucose, glycine, citrate and electrolytes.
Fights acidosis.
Easy to mix and administer.
Registered for use in calves, lambs and ewes, dogs, cats, pigs and foals.

Indications:

Diarrhoea
Dehydration
Post-transport stress
Pregnancy Toxaemia in ewes

Withholding Periods:
Meat Nil.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE:

Vytrate Liquid Concentrate: solution intended for oral administration after dilution with water to 12.5 times its original volume.

Following are directions for the preparation of commonly required dose volumes. Measure the required volume of Vy'trate Liquid Concentrate into the mixing vessel and make up to volume required with clean, fresh drinking water. Replace cap firmly after use.

Mix 40 mL Vy'Trate Liquid Concentrate with water to make up to 500 mL diluted solution; mix 80 mL to make up to 1 L; mix 160 mL to make up to 2 L. 1 L pack makes a total of 12.5 L; 5 L pack makes 62.5 L.

Calves:

Bought in calves. Feed 2 L of diluted solution, made up as above, as the first feed on arrival. For the next scheduled feed, use 1 L diluted solution at the same time as, but not mixed with, milk or milk replacer. Thereafter, feed normal diet.

Scouring calves. Dose rate: 1 to 1.5 L diluted solution/10 kg bodyweight daily, divided into two or more daily doses. If scouring is established or severe, causing serious dehydration, the higher dose should be used initially and fed in three or four divided doses. 2 L of diluted solution given morning and night will be adequate in many cases.

Directions. Immediately signs of scours are seen, withdraw milk or milk replacer and feed the required dose for two days. For a further two days return to milk feeding at half normal rate, with diluted solution given between these feeds. Thereafter feed as normal. Seek veterinary advice if blood is present or scours persist beyond four days. Keep feeding utensils clean and avoid overfeeding. Normal feeding should be resumed after the course of treatment. Replace with fresh solution every 24 hours. Many scouring problems can be avoided by feeding adequate colostrum early in the calf's life.

Pigs:

Suckling piglets. Immediately scour signs appear, fresh diluted solution, made up as above, should be made available, in a clean vessel, to the whole litter. A litter of 1 week old piglets will consume approximately 2 to 3 L/day. The amount consumed will increase with the age of the piglets. Piglets may be dosed individually, by giving 20 to 30 mL diluted solution three or four times a day, taking care to avoid choking. Take care to ensure that piglets are not left without diluted solution, drinking water or sow's milk. Check the supply of solution every twelve hours and replenish if necessary.

Weaned pigs:

Scouring weaned pigs should have fresh diluted solution available in a suitable clean vessel. Restrict solid feed intake for one to two days, but continue to supply fresh drinking water. As a general guide, weaners will consume 1 to 2 L/weaner/day.

Duration of treatment (all pigs). Diluted solution should be made available for four days, but if the scour has not cleared completely, treatment may be continued for up to eight days in total. If there is no sign of improvement, consult a veterinary surgeon.

Periods of stress:

For the two to three days following any period of stress (i.e. weaning, transport etc.), Vy'Trate will help to increase fluid and electrolyte consumption and absorption, so minimising any possible setback. As diluted solution is extremely palatable and excessive drinking may occur, diluted solution at half the strength recommended above may be used, for this indication only. Replace with fresh solution every 24 hours.

Sheep:

Scouring lambs. Give 150 to 200 mL fresh diluted solution two to four times daily as required. The solution should be adjusted to body heat and given via a feeding bottle and teat. The lamb should also suck the ewe. Unused diluted solution may be kept in a clean container below 25°C but should be replaced with fresh solution every 24 hours.

Pregnancy toxaemia in ewes:
Administer 160 mL undiluted solution using suitable drenching equipment. Repeat at four to six hour intervals as necessary. Prompt treatment as soon as signs appear improves the likelihood of a complete recovery.

SIZES: 1L; 5L