POSTOPERATIVE EVALUATION OF THE SURGICAL-TREATMENT OF ACCESSORY TEAT AND GLAND CISTERN COMPLEXES IN DAIRY-COWS

The purpose of this study was the long-term evaluation of a method of surgically repairing the abnormal condition of accessory teat and glan d cistern complexes in dairy cattle. A prospective evaluation of three cows that had undergone the procedure was done. These cows were evalu ated from four months to one year, postoperatively. A thorough history , physical examination, contrast radiography, and ultrasonic examinati on were done on each cow. A retrospective evaluation of an additional 13 cows that had also undergone the procedure was obtained four months to three years following the surgery, via owner communication. The pr ospective portion of this study demonstrated patency of the communicat ion between main and accessory test cisterns. Postoperative complicati ons included initial slow milking and mild swelling of the involved te at. These problems resolved in all cows one to two months postoperativ ely. None of the 16 cows that had undergone the surgery either develop ed or was treated for mastitis. Likewise, none of these cows was sold or slaughtered as a result of postoperative teat problems or unsatisfa ctory milk production. Our study demonstrated that this particular met hod of surgical correction of accessory teat and gland cistern complex es is effective, is esthetically acceptable, produces minimal associat ed complications, and preserves the milk production capacity of the gl and.