After two decades as a professional hoof trimmer, I’ve worked with hundreds of veterinarians facing the same frustrating DD cycle: antibiotic treatments, chronic recurring cases, and pressure to reduce antibiotic use.
Here’s what’s changing the cycle of the chronic DD case.
The First DIN-Registered, Antibiotic-Free DD Treatment for Digital Dermatitis
Intra Hoof-fit Gel is the first antibiotic-free product registered by Health Canada (DIN 02441284) since 2015 to treat digital dermatitis in cattle. This innovative product is registered in 11 countries as a treatment.
This breakthrough treatment addresses the challenges veterinarians face with traditional approaches. Unlike temporary solutions that mask symptoms, this DIN-registered product targets the underlying infection, providing lasting results without antibiotics.
Benefits for Veterinarians and Farmers
When evaluating a new treatment, both efficacy and practical benefits matter. Here’s why it is changing digital dermatitis management:
No Antibiotic Resistance Concerns
This treatment offers a compliant solution that doesn’t contribute to antibiotic resistance, addressing the increasing regulatory pressure to reduce antibiotic use in livestock.
Zero Milk Withdrawal Periods
Farmers can maintain production continuity without milk disposal periods, eliminating antibiotic treatment-related losses, delivering immediate economic benefits, and enhancing animal welfare.
Research by Dr. G. Cramer et al demonstrates that when Tetracycline is used under a wrap, antibiotic residues can appear in milk for up to seven days after wrap removal. With Hoof-fit Gel, producers eliminate this significant food safety risk while maintaining effective treatment. This Gel provides both peace of mind and regulatory compliance without compromising healing outcomes.
Proven Single-Treatment Success Rate
Intra Hoof-fit Gel is the only product in Canada with a DIN registration specifically for treating Digital Dermatitis. When used correctly, it works efficiently: in a typical herd of 100 cows with 20 affected by DD, 12 cows are healed with just ONE application. It doesn’t just mask symptoms; it addresses the problem at its source.
Cost Savings and Efficiency in Herd Management
The value of Hoof-fit Gel extends beyond the attractive price. Farmers report significant economic advantages:
- Lower treatment costs through less frequent application.
- Fewer chronic cases require ongoing management.
- Sustained milk production during the treatment.
- Reduced foot bath frequency as a prevention following treatments.
The investment delivers immediate and long-term returns through enhanced herd health and operational efficiency.
The 3-Day Protocol That Works
The treatment success relies on a straightforward protocol that requires minimal time investment while delivering reliable results. Let’s take a 100-cow herd with 20% DD M2 lesions.
Day 1 – Clean, Apply, Wrap
- Thoroughly clean the affected area with a dry cloth. Avoid using water.
- Apply Hoof-fit Gel directly to the lesion and interdigital space.
- Wrap securely with Intra Tape or Intra Eco Tape for extended contact.
This initial application takes approximately one minute per cow and prepares the animal for effective treatment.
Day 3 – Remove Wrap, Most Are Healed
On day 3, remove the wrap and inspect: 12 out of 20 cows are healed. For the remaining 8 cows, we recommend a quick brush application of Gel without wrapping again. This resolution minimizes animal discomfort and ongoing labour costs.
Day 7 – Quick Recheck for Remaining Cases
For the small percentage of cases needing extra attention, a quick follow-up on day 7 with a second application and wrap completes the protocol. Only 3 of the original 20 DD cows need one more application with wrap. Most farmers report complete resolution of stubborn cases by day 10: 18 of 20 DD cows are completely healed, with only 2 chronic cases, vs. just 58% success with antibiotics.
Real-World Results from Farmers and Veterinarians
The proof is in the field results. Veterinarians and farmers across Canada report significant improvements with this protocol.
Ontario hoof trimmer, Alain Pitre, shared, “Great products and great people behind them! Started using these over a year ago and now I push them on my herds that I take care of.“
Our on-farm reports are as follows:
- Faster healing (7-10 days versus weeks with traditional approaches).
- Fewer repeat and chronic cases.
- Elimination of production losses from withdrawal periods.
- More assured long-term herd health planning.
How Veterinarians Can Stock This Medicine
We’ve made it easy for Canadian veterinary clinics to stock Intra Hoof-fit Gel for their clients and mobile practice needs.
Ordering Options (Online & Phone)
- Professional Portal: Go to the application page to access our secure online ordering system for veterinarians.
- Phone Orders: Call our office at our contact number for assistance with product questions, account setup, and ordering.
Why This Matters Now
The livestock industry faces significant pressure to reduce antibiotic use while delivering expected results. Digital dermatitis challenges herd health regardless of these pressures. It spreads, recurs, and generates lameness.
We now have a Canadian DIN-registered, antibiotic-free alternative that works. From my experience with veterinarians, once they see this protocol succeed on their farms, it becomes their preferred DD treatment.
Veterinary Professional Benefits: Valued Partnerships
We recognize the vital role of veterinarians as respected partners in maintaining farm health. To support their practice, we offer exclusive advantages:
- 25% professional discount on all professional products.
- Free* shipping across Canada.
- Local dealers are offering their logistics to veterinarians at the exact discounted pricing.
Technical Support: Expert Guidance When You Require It
Our team is ready to collaborate on challenging cases, sharing field experiences that enhance your veterinary expertise. Together, we can develop tailored approaches for specific farms where digital dermatitis persists despite standard protocols.
Clinical Validation: Proven Globally
This Intra Protocol is successfully used on dairy and beef farms, with clinical validation from rigorous trials in Europe and Canada.
- Curative effect of topical treatment of digital dermatitis with a gel containing activated copper and zinc chelate (Dr. M. Holzhauer, et al.)
- Randomized controlled trial of 50 m2 digital dermatitis lesions with a non-antibiotic gel containing chelated copper and zinc. (Dr. G. Lammers, et al.)
*Minimum quantities for free shipping apply. Contact our office or log into your professional account for details.
