Hoof diseases in dairy cows maintained in the intensive production system occur with the same frequency as udder inflammation (mastitis), diseases of the reproductive system and metabolic disorders. Behaviour and motor activity of cows must be continually monitored and objective methods must be developed for evaluation of their locomotion and early detection of lameness. Lameness has a multi-factored aetiology including genetic and technological aspects, housing conditions, and to a large extent the animals’ diet, care and hygiene. Knowledge of causes of hoof diseases and prevention methods, as well as the ability to diagnosis and rapid treatment of lameness contribute to shorten the period of illness and improve production results.