Kvet Forum
Well-known member
Traumatic teat injuries are not uncommon in dairy cows with pendulous udders and are usually caused by treading on the teats. Most teat injuries are treated conservatively, but surgical repair can be attempted.
Aetiology
Teat lacerations are usually caused by treading injuries. Occasionally, traumatic injury from sharp protrusions/wire cuts can occur.
Management
Teat injury that does not involve the teat cistern should be cleaned with mild antiseptic solution and any loose or devitalized skin debrided with a scalpel blade, allowing healing by second intention. A sterile teat cannula can be inserted if the cow will not tolerate the milking machine.
Strict attention to hygiene must be observed when using a teat cannula because there is a high risk of mastitis. Surgical repair of teat injuries is problematic and many wounds break down following secondary infection.
Lacerations into the teat cistern require surgical repair, otherwise a leaking fistula will develop. The cow should be sedated and the teat anaesthetized with a simple ring block of 2% lidocaine injected at the base. The wound must be meticulously cleaned and debrided. Fine absorbable suture material on an atraumatic needle is used for the mucosa and submucosal layers and the teat skin sutured with fine monofilament nylon or repaired with stainless steel staples.
A teat cannula should be inserted in order to svoid milking until healing is complete.