Sole ulcers are also known as pododermatitis circumscripta, pododermatitis circumspecta, and Rusterholz ulcer. It is a circumscribed loss of horny sole that exposes the corium. The typical location of the lesion is near the axial border of the heel-sole junction of the lateral claws of the hind feet. Sole ulcers on the front feet are rare but when they occur they usually involve the medial claws. Bilateral lesions of the hindfeet are common. In some cases sole loss is not evident but there is hemorrhage beneath the sole or the sole is yellow and soft; the ulcer becomes apparent when the undermined sole is trimmed away. Lameness usually isn't severe until granulation tissue develops from the exposed corium and protrudes from the defect in the sole.

This granulation tissue retards development of new solar horn. These ulcers may become infected with extension of infection into the deeper tissues (navicular bursa, coffin joint, and flexor tendons).

Cause is not certain but the higher the incidence of ulcers in the lateral hind claws versus medial hind claws suggests anatomical or mechanical difference. Pressure on impact is greater at the heel-sole junction of the lateral claw. Localized ischemia from laminitis can lead to erosion of the sole. The medial coffin bones have a concave ventral surface which allows for weight bearing on the abaxial border of the medial claw, whereas, the lateral pedal bones have a flat ventral surface with weight bearing being distributed over the solar surface as well as the abaxial wall. Sole ulcers are associated with management (related to flooring and diet), and are rare in cattle pastured year round.

Lameness can be severe and is worse when the granulation tissue protrudes or if deeper tissues are involved. The animal may abduct its leg slightly (in an attempt to put more weight on the medial claw) or stand with the heel extending beyond the gutter. Since the condition is often bilateral, check both hindfeet even though lameness may be apparent in only one leg (usually the lesion is more advanced in one foot than the other).

Treatment is aimed at controlling granulation tissue and preventing extension of infection into the deeper tissues. Excise excessive granulation tissue, place the medial claw on a wooden block, and utilize copper sulfate with or without a bandage to control the granulation tissue. Prognosis is good if there is no deep infection.