Case report: Teat stenosis in a suckler cow

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Bovine Reproduction & Health
• Suckler Cow Management

Background:

• Teat lesions are common in cows, with less research on suckler cows compared to dairy cows.
• Teat stenosis presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in suckler cows where calf suckling is crucial.

Observation:

• A four-year-old Simmental suckler cow presented with teat stenosis in the front left quarter, complicated by repeated owner attempts at self-treatment with a rigid teat cannula.
• Clinical examination, ultrasonography, and milk sampling revealed proximal, middle, and distal teat cistern stenosis, thelitis, cisternitis, and mild chronic mastitis.

Findings:

• A multi-modal treatment approach, including intramammary and systemic anti-inflammatories, teat dressings, and surgical theloscopy, was employed.
• Conservative treatment resolved mastitis and proximal/middle stenosis, while lateral theloscopy successfully removed distal stenosis.
• Post-operative recovery was uneventful, with the calf successfully nursing the treated teat and normal milk production restored within two weeks.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies for teat stenosis in suckler cows.
• Successful management of teat stenosis can restore normal calf suckling and milk production, crucial for suckler cow productivity.
• Further research into effective, minimally invasive treatments for teat stenosis in suckler cows is warranted.