Sore Teats

[65284]

The Jersey cow I just bought has 3 sore teats, they don't appear to be cuts, more like cracks. They aren't from a calf chewing on them, the calf was only on her 48 hours. They form hard scabs that make milking difficult. I know must be painful for her, and it takes forever to milk because I have to be so careful and easy, and I still get some blood on my hands. The fact that she's a three finger cow makes it even more difficult.

I've tried everything I know to do, wash her udder and teats with warm water with a mild soap, and rinse & dry well before and after milking. I have tried a cut heal ointment from the F&H store. I keep the cracks covered with Bag Balm to try and keep the scabs soft, I slather on udder cream, and try to keep out dirt. I've dealt with cracked teats before, but these just don't to want to heal, and in fact seem to be getting worse.

She had negative Bangs, Johnes, and TB tests when I bought her. Her temp. isn't elevated, she eats well, everything appears to be normal, except the teats. Any suggestions?

[myersfarm]

i would try to cut out the soap.... and clean bag with udder bomb ...rub on clean off with a soft rag then after milking put more on

[linn]

It might be worth talking to your vet and asking him/her about the cracked teats, especially since they are not responding to treatment. The vet may have some medicated salve that will heal them right up. By the way, congrats. on the new cow.

[JeffNY]

Simple solution, that works well. Use vasoline, it is all you will ever need. We have treated a cow with a cut teat, it healed up nicely, have treated some with cut teats, etc etc. Its cheap, and works really well. Put it on after milking, before you post-dip, and your set till next milking. Do this for a week, the teats will heal up nicely.


Jeff