Use of histology for the differentiation of digital dermatitis form other infectious disease processes affecting the interdigital skin

The aim of the work was to evaluate the usefulness of the histological exam to differentiate the DD localized into the interdigital space from chronic/subacute Interdigital Phlegmon (IP). In 27 Holstein Freisian dairy cows, housed in intensive dairy farms, fed with total mixed ration, we performed 27 biopsies, with sterile biopsy punch on DD lesions, both in the palmar/plantar skin location and in the interdigital skin; cases are accompanied by medical history and images of the lesion. Results have shown relatively similar elementary lesions in the different samples but also some differences. Several recurrent aspects are : strongly marked ulceration and less proliferative skin lesions in IP than in DD.