A field trial comparing the efficacy of sulphamonomethoxine, penicillin, and tarantula poison in the treatment of pododermatitis circumspecta of cattle.

Nearly 80% of 87 cattle suffering for the first time from pododermatitis circumspecta were cured by each of the three drugs under test. Sixty and 73% of those cured by sulphamonomethoxine and penicillin, respectively, and 29% of those cured by the tarantula poison (Theranekron), showed relapses within 6 months. Of the 92 cattle with previous records of pododermatitis circumspecta, sulphamonomethoxine cured 44%, penicillin 73% and Theranekron 32%. Of the latter three groups 72-80% showed relapses within the subsequent 6 months. The results of surgical treatments were, possibly, improved by the prior administration of Theranekron. In addition, in a pilot trial, the demarcation of a gangreneous udder half of a goat suffering from blue-bag, appeared to be accelerated by the parenteral administration of Theranekron.