Milk flow obstruction caused by varicose veins in the teats in dairy cattle

22 cases

Authors

  • H. Lardé Department of Clinical Sciences, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 8H5
  • S. Nichols Department of Clinical Sciences, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 8H5
  • A. Desrochers Department of Clinical Sciences, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 8H5
  • M. Babkine Department of Clinical Sciences, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 8H5
  • D. Francoz Department of Clinical Sciences, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 8H5
  • P. Y. Mulon Hôpital Vétérinaire Lachute, Québec, J8H 1Y4

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20123909

Keywords:

varicose vein, udder, dairy cow, mammary blood vessels, milk flow, surgical procedures

Abstract

A varicose vein is the permanent dilatation of a vein; it can have a primary (valvular insufficiency) or secondary cause (venous hypertension). In dairy cows, the udder is filled with long and sinuous veins that have a great risk of becoming varicose. Furthermore, dilated and prominent mammary blood vessels are a genetic attribute researched among breeders. However, when an enlarged vein is located at the annular ring or within the teat wall, it may partially or totally obstruct normal milk flow. The objectives of this study were to describe this condition in dairy cattle and the surgical procedures used to restore milk flow, and to determine the prognosis for affected cows following surgery. Our hypothesis was that prognosis depends on the surgical procedure performed.

Cover image of the 45th Conference Proceedings: Three black-and-white cows lounge in a spring field. Yellow background.

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Published

2012-09-20

Issue

2012

Section

Research Summaries 2

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