Question on udder problem

[tlance]

Ok we are looking at a cull cow from an organic dairy. This cow has three working quarters. The owner said she had mastitis in the fourth quarter. He said when she freshens this quarter swells and milk comes out the side of the udder. You can not get any out of the teat. She has lumps in that quarter. He said something about cow toxicity being a chance when she freshens because it swells. But once it dries up she's fine. She's gone through two freshens like this and has been fine. He just doesnt want to take a chance and doesnt want to mess with it anymore. Does anybody know anything about this? Is it dangerous or is there anything we can do. She's a very good cow otherwise and he wants around $500 for her bred. Any thoughts? Hope this made sense. Thanks.
Tracy

[francismilker]

It's great that he's honest with you about her condition. However, IMO; I would avoid her if possible. Having a cow that develops problems once you own her is one thing, but; purchasing a cow that has problems is another. It seems you could be just asking for trouble.
I know very little if anything about the term "organic dairying" so maybe you could give her some meds that he wasn't able to under his organic standards to clear her up. It's a possibility.

[copperhead46]

Francis is probably on the right track about the antibiotics helping her keep from developing the toxicity. If you don't mind using anitibiotics I think she might be worth it to you, thats a really good price for a bred cow. I had a three titted cow for years, she raised baby calves for me and I milked her too. If you have a good local vet, I'd call him and see what he thinks. It really shouldn't be a problem if you just want a good family milk cow.
P.J.

[Up North]

She is too far gone to rely on her being a good milk cow. Antibiotics would only keep her alive, not make a good cow out of her. You can't put the cane back up when it's in the ground.

You don't say what breed or body size. If she's a holstein or similar size, she's worth the $500 for a ground beef cow. Less if she is Jersey size.

PS my opinion is based on having a cow with identical conditions in my herd at present. Lots of problems and expense and very little milk.

[DaleK]

For $500 I'd probably go ahead and get her, have a vet kill off the quarter for you. I can't remember what you put up the quarter, been a while since I had to do it. That should avoid the swelling and toxicity and if not she's still worth it for meat if you can get her slaughtered in a hurry if she starts going south.

[tlance]

She is a holstein. Its been about a year since she calved and she's giving about 4-5 gallons of milk. The farmer said she's good other than those first couple weeks of freshening. He just AI her to a jersey for us. If we don't milk we are going to butcher her, but it seems like such a waste.