Content
If a ball (seal) appears in the cow’s udder, then this is a reason for the farmer to sound the alarm. Such seals are varied in nature and may indicate the presence of inflammatory processes that threaten the life of the animal.
Why does a cow have bumps on her udder?
When manually examining a cow, its udder is soft, and the parenchyma can be easily felt through the skin. Also, after pressing, the skin is almost immediately smoothed out, and the mark disappears. When filled, the mammary gland increases its elasticity, and the contour of the cup becomes clearer. A healthy cow's udder color has a distinct pink tint.
However, with pathologies the following is observed:
- noticeable egg-shaped compactions appear in the udder;
- its thicket gradually deforms and loses its shape;
- skin color loses its pink tint;
- the gland becomes tougher;
- the parenchyma is not palpable.
These factors can be regarded as obvious symptoms of inflammation in the body. Pregnant females, as well as cows after calving, are most susceptible to such formations. During these periods they are most vulnerable, and treatment options are limited by the characteristics of the cow’s condition. The following diseases are characterized by such symptoms:
- mastitis;
- swelling;
- bruises and insect bites;
- furunculosis.
Why are lumps on a cow's udder dangerous?
The danger of milking sores in cows of various natures is as follows:
- induration – the process of skin growth, which thickens over time, blocks the channels and causes a decrease in milk production;
- mastitis - a serious disease in which, in addition to compaction, numerous purulent foci appear, and the general inflammatory process poses a serious danger to the life of the animal.
Popular cases and pictures of diseases can be seen in the photo of lumps on the udder of a cow.
How to treat bumps on the udder
Most often, bumps on the udder are a clear sign of mastitis in a cow. For farmers, this disease is a real disaster, since it not only reduces the milk production of the animal (all milk is discarded during the period of illness and treatment), but can also develop into more serious pathologies that threaten life.
Sometimes lumps in a cow's udder can indicate skin diseases in the cow. Dermatitis can be caused by allergies or insect bites. Of all the reactions of the body, the most dangerous is nodular dermatitis - commonly known as tuberculosis. This disorder is viral in nature and consists of several strands of DNA.
Unfortunately for farmers, the lumpy skin disease virus is very resistant to temperature changes, bleach and other antiseptics. Complete disinfection in stalls is quite difficult and is carried out using 20% ether.There are two main ways the virus is transmitted:
- through seminal fluid;
- through insect bites.
For treatment, do the following:
- first of all, the infected animal is separated from the herd;
- a quarantine is declared on the farm (restrictions are lifted no earlier than a month after the last affected animal recovers);
- the incubation period of tubercle is from a week to 10 days, and the disease itself lasts approximately 4 weeks;
- the animal is administered one or more antiviral agents;
- It is quite simple to determine nodular dermatitis by external signs.
After recovery, the animal develops stable immunity to nodular dermatitis for up to 1 year. To relieve inflammation and compaction from the cow's udder, symptomatic treatment is carried out:
- remove swelling;
- apply antiseptic creams and ointments to the udder;
- All milk tanks are treated with hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate.
The antiviral drug is prescribed by a qualified veterinarian, since in each specific method the picture of the disease may differ.
Mastitis in a cow can be caused by streptococci, which enter the animal’s body through microcracks in the nipples. Most often, the disease is accompanied by a serious inflammatory process, which most often affects 1-2 quarters of the gland, less often the entire udder.
Also, the cause of mastitis in the form of compactions in the udder of a cow can be improper care of the animal and stagnation of milk in the gland. Serous mastitis may appear after calving. It is characterized by blockage of the milk ducts, which makes it impossible for fluids to escape. Treatment is prescribed only by a veterinarian on an individual basis. In general cases it has a similar program:
- in advanced stages, antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the inflammatory process;
- if calving begins in a couple of days, then begin frequent milking (up to 8 times a day), and the udder is intensively massaged;
- those parts that have been affected by the disease are rubbed with hay or a soft mitten; this should be done carefully so as not to cause mechanical injuries; for this purpose, soap is applied to the skin before starting the procedure;
- special applications are made to the affected areas of the skin, which consist of clay, chamomile decoctions, wax and mint tinctures; after applying the mixture, the treated area is covered with a warm cloth and polyethylene; Before you start milking, the application is removed and its remains are washed off with warm water.
To remove swelling and compaction from the udder due to a bruise or insect bite, the area is cooled. At night, the animal is given special lotions, which consist of clay, cabbage leaves and propolis. If necessary, the veterinarian prescribes a novocaine blockade and administers antibiotics intramuscularly to the cow. It is also necessary to adjust the animal’s diet. For example, the diet is enriched with vitamin supplements and limited to only hay for a certain period. Salt intake is limited.
As a rule, swelling disappears on the fifth day.
Prevention of cones on the udder of a cow
To prevent compaction in the udder, a number of the following methods are used:
- all dead livestock are buried or burned;
- carry out full vaccination of all animals in the pen in order to stimulate their immunity;
- it is important to ensure a high level of sterility of the milking room, as well as living conditions;
- compliance with all recommendations regarding mechanical milking;
- prevention and timely treatment of any mechanical damage to the udder;
- following the rules of sterility;
- separation of sick and healthy animals into different herds.
Lumps in a cow's milking may indicate diseases that should never be left to chance. Their appearance is a signal that it is time to conduct a full diagnosis of the animal’s health.
Conclusion
If a farmer diagnoses a cow with a ball in the udder, it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor. This tumor may be a clear sign of a serious breast disease that requires long-term therapy.
Good evening. Please tell me if there are hard bumps under each tit on the udder. And I notice during milking that there are cramps on the back thigh and it stretches out and continues to stand as if nothing had happened. Please tell me what's wrong with the cow?