citation_inspection: 25311

The two reindeer cows had overgrown hooves to the point that the front dewclaws made contact with the ground and, for the cow named Bossy, the front toes were starting to cross. Excessive hoof growth can contribute to abnormal gait which can cause a change in the toe joints and may contribute to osteoarthritis especially in older animals such as these. The facility needs to have a better plan to manage the growth of the hooves to prevent them from getting too long instead of only once a year when the antler velvet is shed. The attending veterinarian was contacted immediately following the inspection to setup an appointment for hoof trimming and evaluation of the animals. The program of veterinary care must include appropriate methods to prevent, control, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and other conditions that may arise. To be corrected by 7/31/2014.