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Sole ulcer
A sole ulcer is a lesion of the horn on the bottom of the foot: the horn thins and then pierces in a specific location, revealing the raw flesh underneath. It almost always sits in the same place, behind the sole of the outer claw of the hi...
What is it?
A sole ulcer is a lesion of the horn on the bottom of the foot: the horn thins and then pierces in a specific location, revealing the raw flesh underneath.
It almost always sits in the same place, behind the sole of the outer claw of the hind feet, where the toe bone presses hardest.
It is not a contagious disease but a mechanical lesion, the result of excessive and prolonged pressure on an area of the foot. It almost always reflects a problem with housing, grooming or feeding in the weeks preceding.
Key point
A sole ulcer is a very painful lesion. A limping cow is in constant pain, including when she is immobile: pain treatment is an integral part of care, not an optional extra.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Lameness that sets in gradually, often on one hind foot, and persists.
The cow shifts its weight: it crosses its hindquarters, puts its foot crooked or stands with its back arched.
She hesitates to turn, walks carefully on hard floors and moves slowly toward the trough.
She stays in bed longer than the others and has difficulty getting up.
When examining the trimmed foot, we discover a hole in the horn of the sole revealing red tissue, bleeding easily, sometimes budding.
Decreased milk production and loss of body condition when lameness persists.
A beginning lesion may only appear as a red spot in the horn, without an open wound: this is a valuable warning signal, visible only when trimmed.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
The lesion arises from excessive pressure of the finger bone on the pad located above the sole. This pad normally cushions the pressure; if it becomes thinner or weaker, the horn made underneath is of poor quality and will eventually pierce.
Around calving, physiological changes and a loss of body condition weaken the cushioning structures of the foot.
Excessive standing time on concrete, due to lack of comfortable bedding or space, increases and prolongs the pressure.
Repeated rumen acidosis, linked to a ration too rich in concentrates or poorly transitioned, degrades the quality of the horn: this is the link with bovine laminitis.
A defect in trimming leaves an outer hoof that is too long or too high, which then supports a disproportionate share of the weight.
Absence of regular trimming, or poorly done trimming which does not restore the balance between the two hooves.
Uncomfortable, poorly sized or insufficiently furnished cubicles: the cow remains standing instead of lying down.
Hard concrete floors, long waiting times before milking, slippery corridors.
Calving period and first months of lactation, with rapid loss of body condition.
Rations rich in concentrates, abrupt dietary transitions, lack of effective fiber.
History of ulcer: a cow that has already had one is more likely to have one again.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The diagnosis requires lifting the foot and trimming the horn in a containment cage: it is by thinning the sole that we discover the lesion, otherwise invisible.
The veterinarian or professional trimmer identifies the lesion, extends it and cleans it to see if the flesh is deeply affected.
He checks the condition of the other hoof, the possible presence of other lesions and the general condition of the animal.
A limp that has lasted for several weeks requires a more complete assessment: the joint or bone may be affected, which completely changes the course of action.
Treatment
The essential action is therapeutic trimming: the trimmer removes the loose horn around the lesion and lowers the diseased hoof so that it no longer supports the weight of the animal.
A wedge or pad stuck to the healthy hoof of the same foot relieves the affected hoof for several weeks: this is often what makes the difference in the speed of healing.
An anti-inflammatory is prescribed by the veterinarian to calm pain that is real and intense.
An antibiotic is only justified if the infection goes beyond the horn and reaches deeper tissues: this decision is up to the veterinarian.
The cow is placed on a soft, dry and well-mulched area, at a short distance from the trough and water trough, and temporarily removed from the lots where it would be disturbed.
Healing takes several weeks, the time for the horn to grow back: the foot must be seen again rather than considering the matter settled after the first treatment.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Have all animals trimmed by a trained person, at least once a year and systematically when drying off: a well-done balancing trim is the best protection against ulcers.
Take care of sleeping comfort: one place per cow, a cubicle of the right size, a mattress or thick, dry bedding. A cow who lies down for a long time has less pain in her feet.
Reduce waiting time standing on concrete before milking.
Avoid slippery floors and steep slopes, which force the animal to use force.
Manage feeding around calving: gradual transitions, sufficient fiber, no sudden jump in concentrates.
Avoid too rapid loss of body condition at the start of lactation.
Observe the herd's gait every week: a cow with a hunched back, which hesitates to turn or which drags at the end of the lot, must be seen before the lesion deepens.
Possible complications
Infection of deep tissues under the sole, with extension to the joint or finger bone: lameness becomes permanent.
Budding of flesh through the opening, painful and slow to heal.
Appearance of an ulcer on the other foot, the animal having carried its weight for weeks.
Frequent relapses if trimming and sleeping comfort are not corrected.
Loss of production, reproduction difficulties and anticipated culling.
When to see a veterinarian
A cow has been limping for several days without improvement.
She stands with her back hunched, crosses her hind legs or clearly avoids putting weight on one foot.
She stays down much longer than her peers or gets up with difficulty.
You discover a red zone or a hole in the sole.
An already treated lameness reappears on the same foot.
A cow no longer gets up: it's an emergency, call the veterinarian.
Prognosis
A superficial lesion caught early, properly trimmed and relieved by a wedge heals in most cases, but it takes several weeks for the horn to regrow.
The prognosis deteriorates sharply as soon as the joint or bone is affected: the animal can then remain permanently lame.
Relapses are common in cows whose feet have already been damaged: these animals deserve more frequent trimming and a particularly comfortable sleeping place.
Frequently asked questions
Why always the same hoof?
On the hind feet, the outer hoof supports more weight and makes more horn. It becomes higher, takes even more support, and that's where the sole is pierced. Trimming serves precisely to rebalance the load between the two hooves.
Is it really necessary to put a wedge?
This is what relieves the animal the quickest: the wedge stuck to the healthy claw completely unloads the injured claw while the horn grows back. Without this release, the lesion continues to be crushed with every step and healing drags on.
Will an antibiotic cure the ulcer?
No, in most cases. The ulcer is a mechanical injury to the horn, not an infection initially. The antibiotic is only of interest if the infection spreads to deep tissues, and it is up to the veterinarian to judge. Trimming and discharge remain the basis of treatment.
How often should cows be trimmed?
At least once a year for the whole herd, and systematically when drying off, with examination of each foot. Cows that have already had a lesion or those that are lame should be reviewed more often, without waiting for the annual campaign.
References
EFSA — Autorité européenne de sécurité des aliments
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 09 August 2026
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