UDDER DISEASES

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 167, 11 April 1935, Page 21

UDDER DISEASES

Abnormalities in the Cow REMEDIAL ACTION (By Cultivatoii.) Where abnormalities occur affecting the udder of a cow by disease the greatest of care is called for. There are various disorders which may attack a cow with detrimental effect on the milk supply. In fact mortality due to udder diseases is not unknown. After remedial action has been taken careful milking is most necessary. Sanitary precautions guarding against such disorders cannot be too strongly recommended, it always being remembered that cleanliness is a very large contributing factor toward the success of a herd.

Some most interesting points were raised by Mr. J. 11. Barker, V.S., in an English periodical recently, which are well worth presentation here. Most dairy-farmers well know that normally and ideally the udder of a cow is divided into four quarters, two front and two hind, the pairs being even and symmetrical. The udder is slung from the abdomen by elastic tissue, and each quarter carries a teat, perpendicular when at its best. Some cows have supernumerary or extra quarters and teats. It is these extra quarters which sometimes give trouble. A mastitis might begin in a neglected quarter. Other cows have only extra teats similarly placed. These conditions are hereditary from bull to female progeny. Any young bulls intended for stock purposes should, therefore, be examined for extra nipples. Prevention of these troubles from extra glands and teats lies in careful selection.

Serious trouble not invariably arises from teat abnormalities. The milk secreted from the quarter finds its way along ducts into the cistern placed at the base of the quarter. The cistern protrudes into the teat, and after a slight constriction is continued downward and is known as the teat sinus. When milked the flow is forced through the teat canal and out through the opening in the nipple. Sometimes the milk cistern is blocked at the top, and the condition known as a “pipe stem” teat is set up.. This abnormality cannot be remedied and means the loss of the affected quarter. Often there is a constriction and growth between the milk cistern and the teat sinus. Quite frequently this condition is referred to as a “pea” or “pebble” in the teat. In some cows the milk can be forced past the blockage thus caused, while in others the milk flow is entirely impeded. Fortunately the inventive genius of a veterinary surgeon has provided a set of instruments for the remedying of this. In suitable cases the operation is uniformly successful.

Obstructions to the flow of milk are also found at the entrance to the teat canal, a condition ■which can be remedied by the use of suitable instruments in the hands of a skilled veterinary surgeon. Abnormalities at -the opening of the teat canal in the end of the nipple from the complete exclusion to tight milking are found. Instruments for the operation to overcome these conditions are now in constant use.

The position of the udder and its teats renders the parts liable to. injuries and wounds. The most serious injury that can occur is a cut directly into the teat sinus, allowing the milk to escape. After a wound has been attended careful milking is necessary during the healing process. In other cases a fistula results and the milk continuously escapes. These cun best be operated upon during the dry period. Care of the udder and teats when undertaken leads to beneficial results. As a heifer approaches her first calving time, wedging can often be prevented by gentle massage of the udder over a period of two weeks. Where a heifer or a cow has an abundance of milk before calving, stripping to the point of relief is beneficial. Neglect of this proceeding will often end in the loss of one or more quarters or in a retduced amount of milk during the subsequent lactation. "Quick, clean milking at all times Is calculated to reduce to a minimum udder troubles. Proper drying off a short period before the next date of calving is helpful. Weak or damaged quarters should receive constarit attention during this period. The utlder is subject to disease invasion during tuberculosis, abortion, infactlon and mastirus. Total eradication of reactors to the tuberculin test and the maintenance of the herd free from tuberculosis is the only way to prevent tuberculosis of the udder. The breakdown of hindquarters subsequent to abortion or retention of the membranes can be prevented by the eradication of reactors to the agglutination tests with the brucekka abortus, and frequent subsequent tests. Mastitus, an acute infectious disease, is less easily dealt with. Recognition that it is an infectious disease, and the institution of proper hygenie and sanitary precautions to limit the spread are indicated. The assistance of a veterinary surgeon at the first sign of any milk change would reduce losses.