Hoof blocks in dairy cows, fundamentals and techniques of application

Digital lesions were treated by corrective hoof trimming, nonstroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hoof blocks on a sound claw. Any claw lesions including sole ulcer, white line diseases, toe ulcer, digital wall lesions, penetrating interdigital necrobacillosis should be treated using hoof blocks. Block height estimated as 25, width 50 and length 110 millimeters. Sound claw should be prepared for block adhesion with no eminence or any rugged part. The block should stick to the digit slightly toward the heel. Different glue and adhesives were used in hoof blocking. Functional glues generally divided in to two groups of Epoxy and Polyurethane. These glues are strong with good elasticity. Epoxy glues are synthetic glues consisting of two parts of resin and hardener and are stronger than polyurethane glues. Polyurethane glues are more tolerant than epoxies against rusting and trauma but because of Isocyanates are dangerous in use. Methymetacrylate adhesive glues are located between polyurethane and epoxy glues with strong and elastic features. Different techniques of hoof block usage were reviewed in this current study.