Claw Check - Demotec Claw check hoof trimming gauge

Claw-Check - the essential hoof care tool!

The Claw-Check is a claw measuring device, developed for Demotec by Dr. Kümper. lt is an aid to veterinarians, bovine podiatrists (hoof  trimmers) and farmers as it gives easy practical guidance on achieving the correct form and function of the bovine hoof.

Lameness is an expensive and common problem in cattle.  The milk yield of dairy cows drops rapidly when they become lame - however when you trim their feet how much should you trim, and what shape should they be when you finish?  This tool answers that question. 

When trimming and paring claws,  you need to consider both orthopaedic anatomy and biomechanical function - which sounds complicated but in practical terms means trimming the hoof to the right shape for its function.  This is not normally associated with aggressive cutting of the hoof material.

The principal purpose is to ensure that weight is evenly distributed on both the inside and outside claw, and to ensure that softer or damaged areas are relieved of pressure.

The use of the Demotec Claw-Check greatly simplifies the work of those undertaking hoofcare. lt is intended to provide standard values associated with normally grown claws, and should not be rigidly applied in die case of overgrown or abnormal hooves.

Use the attached pictures in conjunction with the tests listed below.

The Claw-Check can be used on bovine hooves to test the following:

1. Control of the angle between the sole and anterior claw wall. The angle of the Claw-Check is set at 50° allowing easy recognition of the acceptable variation of 45 - 50°.

2. Examination of the length of the anterior claw wall. The distance from the coronary band to the tip of the claw in the average sized Holstein-Friesian cow measures approximately 82mm. Using the straight edge of the Claw-Check the anterior wall can be shortened to a length of 75mm by a vertical cut at the toe to the sole surface.

3. Height comparisons between inside and outside claws. The Claw-Check should be placed under the solar surface of the hoof. Unequal claw length can then be readily appreciated, so that an adjustment can be made to allow even distribution of the weight over both claws.

4. Ensuring the correct plane of contact of the sole to the ground. The use of angle-grinders pushed against the interdigital space frequently results in a roof shaped claw profile giving rise to injuries in the axial sole area. With the help of the Claw-Check it is possible to test whether the entire surface of the anterior third of the sole makes equal contact with the ground.

5.Controlling the slope of the sole. When the Claw-Check is placed onto the sole surface of both claws with its opening pointing to the heels, the V-shaped opening identifies the caudal axial third of the sole where there should be a 5 mm gap between this area and the ground.

This gauge is also handy for checking the shape of the hoof when you have trimmed it to fit a boot or hoof block.  If trimmed to the gauge specifications the boot will be a good fit, and when using a block you can check the hoof is flat so the block fits snugly. 

The Demotec Claw-Check is declared in Germany as design patent.