Prolaps of teat canal skin in dairy cows - three case studies

The objective of this article is to report on three cases of teat canal ski n prolaps in dairy cows. Two Braunvieh and one Fleckvieh cow were presented to the Veterinary Clinic Babenhausen because of a milk flow disorder in on e teat that had lasted for one or two days. The cows were 55, 120 and 270 d ays in milk in their first, second or third lactation, respectively. In all cases the right hind teat showed an extension of the teat canal beyond the teat tip. A rupture of the teat canal skin right below the inner opening o f the teat canal and the tube-like prolaps of the teat canal was diagnosed by using teat endoscopy. The maximal milk flow from the affected teat was 2 9 per cent of the contralateral teat in two cases and 46 per cent in one ca se. In the affected quarter 2,2, 2,8 and 3,5 kg milk, respectively had back ed up. Milk quality was normal. The surgical treatment consisted in removin g tissue that lowered milk flow, dilating the teat canal with incisions, an d resting the teal. On reexamination one and six months later milk flow was improved. Milk yield in the ongoing lactation was lower and in the subsequ ent lactation equal to the milk yield of the contralateral quarter. In two cases subclinical mastitis and in one case case clinical mastitis developed . We conclude that prolaps of teat canal skin Is associated with decreased milk flow and with back up of milk into the affected quarter. Prolaps of te at canal skin may increase the risk of mastitis.