Cow udder induration: home treatment

Pathologies affecting the udder of a cow are more likely to occur due to violation of the rules of keeping, unsanitary conditions during milking, and injuries to the animal's organ. All these factors contribute to the infection in the damaged areas. Udder induration can be attributed to the number of such diseases. Pathology is a compaction of an organ as a result of the growth of connective tissue and the death of the parenchyma.

Reasons for udder induration

The main factors that provoke the disease are:

swelling of an organ that lasts for a long time;
an inflammatory process transferred by an animal.

Main symptoms

Signs of udder induration are as follows:

organ density that does not disappear after milking (meat udder);
the udder does not shrink even during the dry period;
further thickening of glands occurs;
mucous formations in the form of flakes are found in milk;
nodes may be present inside the affected lobe;
animal does not feel pain;
sometimes the udder does not increase much, but the density of the organ increases significantly.

The primary and secondary udder induration is distinguished. In the first case, the pathology affects the entire organ, in the second, only part of the gland or one lobe is affected.

How the disease is diagnosed

Ultrasound scanners and thermal imagers are used in cattle to detect pathological conditions of the udder, including induration.

To obtain the most detailed information about breast damage, an ultrasonogram or thermogram is recommended.

Cow treatment at home

Unfortunately, the process of tissue growth is irreversible. Therapy in this case does not bring any results.

Possible consequences and prevention

As a result of induration, the productivity of the mammary gland is reduced or completely stopped. If not all tissues were affected, but only a part of them, then a slight restoration of function is possible by the beginning of a new lactation period.

However, if the pathological process affects the secretory part of the organ, the quality of milk decreases. The product acquires the following properties:

mucous;
bad taste;
grey;
it contains flakes.

Since this condition does not go away on its own and cannot even be cured by any means, it is necessary to carefully monitor compliance with the rules for keeping cows, including the milking process. It is also important to keep animals safe from injury.

So, to prevent the development of induration and other diseases of the udder, the following measures are taken:

Cleanliness check. Compliance with sanitary standards in the barns, including the following points:

regular bedding change;
is there a debate on the surfaces;
whether all premises are thoroughly cleaned (cleaning is carried out after the cattle are driven to the milking process). Animal he alth depends, among other things, on the quality of the litter. The recommended thickness is from 15 to 20 cm. Sand, straw, sawdust are used as the material.

Identification of sick animals. If cows suffering from mastitis are found, they must be separated from the rest of the herd.
Proper udder handling before and after milking. There are several important aspects here:

used drugs (iodine-based products are recommended, as they do not lead to dependence and do not change their characteristics under the influence of ambient temperature);
correct setting of the milking machine;
competent udder handling;
hand hygiene (wash hands thoroughly before milking);
sterility of wipes for wiping the mammary gland (it is desirable that wipes are selected separately for each animal).

Compliance with milking technology. In particular, this applies to the beginning of the procedure. The first streams of milk must be collected in a separate container, and only then do full-fledged milking begin.
Regular examinations of animals, it is important to take them to the vet.
Vaccination against infections.
Providing food and water in accordance with all regulations.
Removal of objects from the barn that can cause injury to the animal. It is better to protect cows from injury or other damage.
Be careful when using a catheter.
Timely treatment of wounds, burns and other injuries.

Cow udder induration is a common disease among cows, the main negative consequence of which is a decrease in the milk productivity of cattle.Pathology is not treatable, so everything must be done to prevent the development of the disease in animals.