I have been trimming for a long time and can identify the type of problem the cow has by watching her locomotion. There are times when a cow does not show straight away but will suddenly go off her feet a few days later. If an animal is suffering from dermatitis this is equivalent to you or I having a migraine and a sole ulcer is the same as a human having a broken arm which is very painful and they will lose condition quick.
This can result in milk production dropping up to 30% and they could miss their bulling cycle which is approx every 22 days. I have treated lame cows that haven't been bulling and a couple of days after treatment they will want the bull.
It is important to identify lame animals quickly so you can relieve their pain and make them happy again. However, if some lameness is left too long before treatment there may be only one option left.....amputation or culling.