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Experienced farmers often need to treat a bruised udder on a cow. This is a common phenomenon that almost every cattle owner has experienced. Despite the outward frivolity of the disease, it is fraught with many dangers and can lead to unpleasant consequences.
Symptoms of an udder bruise in a cow
With a mechanical impact on the udder in the form of a bruise, a noticeable hematoma appears at the site of impact. It has a characteristic color due to damage to the blood vessels and in some cases the lymph nodes. This provokes hemorrhage into the parenchyma, after which the blood enters the milk channels. Because of this, the milk takes on a pink color, sometimes with distinct clots. It becomes unusable.
If the remaining shares of the udder are not damaged, then the milk obtained from them can be used – for food or for trade.
An udder bruise in a cow has the following manifestations:
- in the share that has suffered, bruises, noticeable abrasions, and in some cases seals form;
- in the damaged area there is a local increase in temperature;
- there is swelling of the udder and nipple;
- milking is difficult, in the presence of blood clots in the cisternal canal, milking through it becomes impossible due to local overlap.
To eliminate the symptoms of an udder bruise in a cow, a special treatment is prescribed that cleans the teat cistern, lowers the temperature, relieves swelling and stimulates the resorption of the hematoma.
With untimely or ineffective therapy, such a bruised udder in a cow can lead to mastitis, which requires more thorough medical treatment.
To avoid such a negative effect, the farmer must adjust the diet and drink of the animal. His diet of liquids and succulent foods is cut to reduce fluid in the body and the subsequent removal of puffiness.
Why are udder injuries in a cow dangerous?
On the face of it, bruises on the posterior right lobe of a cow’s udder or other quarters may appear to be completely harmless. However, in reality, the consequences of such an injury can promise unpleasant consequences. For example, this threatens to reduce milk production. If there is an extensive hematoma, then its contents are encapsulated, due to which the glandular tissue replaces the connective tissue. Thus, the milk tank stops working normally.
Treatment of an udder bruise in a cow
The sooner the owner of the animal begins to treat an udder bruise in a cow, the less likely it is that complications will occur. To reduce swelling and restore normal blood circulation in the area of the damaged area, the site of injury is liberally lubricated with iodine. It heals external abrasions and helps blood clots disperse evenly.
Over time, the microtrauma that formed at the site of the bruise will begin to disappear. Iodine also has an antiseptic effect and prevents infections, fungi and other pathogenic microflora from entering the breast.
The injury itself is treated as follows:
- the first 2-3 days after the appearance of a hematoma, a heating pad with ice is applied to it;
- puffiness is removed with a mixture of clay and 9% vinegar, the composition is brought to a state of gruel;
- any mechanical intensive impact (including massage) is prohibited;
- on the 4th day, the damaged area begins to warm up with the help of heating pads, ichthyol and camphor ointment;
- also, compresses from streptocid ointment and Levomekol are applied to the site to accelerate the healing of mechanical injuries;
- in some cases, irradiation with an ultraviolet lamp is prescribed.
With the accumulation of blood clots in the teat canal, it becomes necessary to remove them for effective milking. To do this, it is regularly washed with potassium permanganate or a solution of baking soda (peroxide can be used as an alternative).
If local treatment of an udder bruise in a cow does not give any results, the hematoma is opened surgically. This is necessary to completely clear the area of blood clots. After that, the damaged blood vessels are tied up. An open wound also needs special care:
- intramuscular administration of antibiotics;
- external use of healing preparations, ointments and compresses;
- covering an open wound with a sterile bandage;
- fixation of the bandage with a special bandage.
Udder Injury Prevention
Most often, when stalled, bruises occur due to regrown hooves. Therefore, there is a need for their timely circumcision, although this does not completely exclude the possibility of damage.
Also, as a preventive measure, it is necessary to ensure that cattle with drooping udders or elongated teats do not enter the stall. It is necessary to ensure free accommodation of animals in the stall, on average up to 5 m wide for one cow.
When using machines for machine milking, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the procedure for preparing and carrying out the procedure. In case of a mass transition from manual milking to machine milking, the following operations are mandatory:
- animals are divided into groups according to predetermined characteristics;
- milkmaids and mechanics are trained in the correct operation of the equipment;
- all milking platforms and machines undergo preliminary preparation.
To prevent injuries to the udder, veterans are involved, who draw up special programs for the treatment of premises and animals.
Conclusion
Treating a bruised udder in a cow is quite simple, because a blow to the mammary gland is one of the most common injuries that most often occurs in summer on open pastures. During this season, farmers should especially carefully examine the udders of animals so that if an injury is detected, symptoms can be quickly removed and therapy can be started. Careful care will help keep the cows healthy and producing abundant milk.
