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 of a diverse nature, may indicate the presence of inflammatory processes that threaten the life of the animal.
Why does a cow have bumps on the udder
When a cow is examined manually, the udder is soft and the parenchyma can be easily felt through the skin. Also, after pressing, the skin is almost immediately smoothed, and the trace disappears. By filling, the mammary gland improves firmness, and the contour of the cup becomes clearer. In a healthy cow, the udder color has a distinct pink tint.
However, with pathologies, the following is observed:
- palpable ovoid seals appear in the udder;
- its thicket gradually deforms and loses its shape;
- skin color loses pink tint;
- the iron becomes stiffer;
- the parenchyma is not palpable.
These factors can be regarded as obvious symptoms of inflammation in the body. The most susceptible to such formations are pregnant females, as well as cows after calving. 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 the seals on the udder of a cow dangerous?
The danger of milking sores in a cow of various natures is as follows:
- induration - the process of overgrowth of the skin, which thickens over time, blocks the channels and causes a decrease in milk production;
- mastitis - a serious disease in which, in addition to compaction, there are numerical purulent foci, 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 bumps on the udder of a cow.
How to treat bumps on the udder
Most often, bumps on the udder are a pronounced 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 a lump in the udder of a cow may indicate a cow's skin condition. Dermatitis can be triggered by allergies or insect bites. Of all the reactions of the body, the most dangerous is nodular dermatitis - among the people, tubercle. The disorder is viral in nature and consists of multiple 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 difficult and is done 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;
- quarantine is announced on the farm (restrictions are lifted no earlier than a month after the last injured animal recovers);
- the incubation period of the tubercle is from a week to 10 days, and the disease itself lasts approximately 4 weeks;
- one or more antiviral agents are administered to the animal;
- it is quite simple to determine lumpy skin disease by external signs.
After recovery, the animal develops stable immunity to lumpy dermatitis for up to 1 year. To relieve inflammation and induration from the udder of a cow, symptomatic treatment is performed:
- remove edema;
- use antiseptic creams and ointments on the udder;
- all milk tanks are treated with hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate.
The antiviral drug is prescribed by a qualified veterinarian, since the picture of the disease may differ in each specific method.
Mastitis in a cow washes 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, improper care of the animal and stagnation of milk in the gland can also cause mastitis in the form of seals in the udder of a cow. Serous mastitis may appear after calving. It is characterized by the overlap of the milk channels, which makes it impossible for liquids to escape. Treatment is prescribed only by a veterinarian on an individual basis. In general, 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 frequent milking begins (up to 8 times a day), and the udder is intensively massaged;
- those lobes 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, soap is applied to the skin before starting the procedure;
- special applications are made on the affected skin areas, which consist of clay, chamomile decoctions, wax and mint tinctures, after applying the mixture, the treated area is covered with a warm napkin and polyethylene; before starting milking, the application is removed and the remains are washed off with warm water.
To remove swelling and lump from the udder in case of a bruise or insect bite, the site is cooled. At night, the animal is given special lotions, which consist of clay, cabbage leaves and propolis. If necessary, the veterinarian will prescribe a novocaine blockade and inject intramuscular antibiotics into the cow. It is also necessary to adjust the nutrition of the animal. For example, the diet is enriched with vitamin supplements and limited to hay for a certain period. Salt intake is limited.
As a rule, the swelling disappears on the fifth day.
Prevention of bumps on the udder of a cow
A number of the following methods are used to prevent compaction in the udder:
- all dead cattle are buried or burned;
- carry out a complete 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 conditions of detention;
- compliance with all recommendations regarding mechanical milking;
- prevention and timely treatment of any mechanical damage to the udder;
- following the rules of sterility;
- division of sick and healthy animals into different herds.
Seals in a cow's milking may indicate a disease that should never be left to chance. Their appearance is a signal that it is time to carry out a complete diagnosis of the animal's health.
Conclusion
If a farmer diagnosed a cow with a ball in the udder, you should immediately consult a doctor. This neoplasm can be a clear sign of a serious breast disease that requires long-term therapy.