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Experienced farmers often need to treat a cow's udder bruise. This is a common phenomenon that almost every cattle owner has experienced. Despite the apparent frivolity of the disease, it is fraught with many dangers and can lead to unpleasant consequences.
Symptoms of a udder bruise in a cow
When there is a mechanical impact on the udder in the form of a bruise, a noticeable hematoma appears at the site of the impact. It has a characteristic color due to damage to blood vessels and, in some cases, lymph nodes. This provokes hemorrhage into the parenchyma, after which blood enters the milk canals. This causes the milk to take on a pink color, sometimes with distinct clots. It becomes unusable.
If the remaining lobes of the udder are not damaged, then the milk obtained from them can be used for food or for commercial sale.
An udder bruise in a cow has the following manifestations:
- in the affected lobe, bruises, noticeable abrasions, and in some cases, compactions form;
- a local increase in temperature is observed in the damaged area;
- swelling of the udder and nipple appears;
- It becomes difficult to milk milk; if there are blood clots in the cisternal canal, milking through it becomes impossible due to local blockage.
To eliminate the symptoms of a 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.
If treatment is untimely or ineffective, such an udder bruise in a cow can lead to mastitis, which requires more thorough medical treatment.
To avoid such negative consequences, the farmer must adjust the animal’s diet and drinking regimen. His diet of liquid and succulent food is reduced to reduce fluid in the body and subsequently relieve swelling.
What are the dangers of udder injuries in cows?
At first glance, it may seem that bruises to the rear right lobe of a cow's udder or other quarters are completely harmless. However, in reality, the consequences of such an injury can lead to unpleasant consequences. For example, this threatens to reduce milk productivity. If there is an extensive hematoma, then its contents are encapsulated, causing the glandular tissue to replace the connective tissue. Thus, the milk tank stops working normally.
Treatment of udder bruises in cows
The sooner the owner of the animal begins to treat a bruised udder in a cow, the less likely there are complications. To reduce swelling and restore normal blood circulation in the area of the damaged area, the bruise is generously lubricated with iodine. It heals external abrasions and helps blood clots disperse evenly.
Over time, the microtraumas that formed at the site of the injury will begin to disappear.Iodine also has an antiseptic effect and prevents infections, fungi and other pathogenic microflora from entering the mammary gland.
The injury itself is treated as follows:
- for the first 2-3 days after the hematoma appears, 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 paste;
- any intense mechanical impact (including massage) is prohibited;
- on the 4th day, they begin to warm up the damaged area using heating pads, ichthyol and camphor ointments;
- compresses of streptocidal ointment and Levomekol are also applied to the area to accelerate the healing of mechanical injuries;
- in some cases, irradiation with an ultraviolet lamp is prescribed.
When blood clots accumulate 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 a cow's udder bruise does not produce any results, the hematoma is opened surgically. This is necessary to completely clear the area of blood clots. After this, the damaged blood vessels are ligated. An open wound also requires special care:
- intramuscular administration of antibiotics;
- external use of healing preparations, ointments and compresses;
- covering the open wound with a sterile bandage;
- fixing the bandage with a special bandage.
Prevention of udder injuries
Most often, when kept in stalls, bruises occur due to overgrown hooves. Therefore, there is a need to trim them in a timely manner, although this does not completely eliminate the possibility of damage.
Also, as a preventative measure, it is necessary to ensure that cattle with drooping udders or elongated teats are not admitted to the stall. It is necessary to ensure free placement 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. During a massive 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 equipment;
- All milking platforms and machines undergo preliminary preparation.
To prevent udder injuries, veterans are hired to draw up special programs for treating premises and animals.
Conclusion
Treating a udder bruise in a cow is quite simple, because a blow to the mammary gland is one of the most common injuries, which most often occurs in open pastures in the summer. During this season, farmers should especially carefully examine the udders of animals so that if an injury is detected, they can quickly relieve symptoms and begin therapy. Careful care will help maintain cow health and abundant milk production.
