Comparison of thelotomy and theloscopic triangulation for the treatment ofdistal teat obstructions in dairy cows - a retrospective study (1994-1998)

The medical records of 56 cows suffering from teat obstructions in the area of the rosette of Furstenberg were reviewed; 22 were treated by thelotomy and 34 by theloscopic triangulation and the long-term results were reviewed by telephone conversations with the owners up to four years after the surg ery. The milk flow at the fourth milking session after surgery was signific antly better in the cows treated by theloscopy and, as a result, fewer of t hese cows required the teat sphincter to be cut. The cows treated by thelos copy also stayed in hospital for a significantly shorter period and suffere d fewer episodes of mastitis.