Distal teat amputation for distal papillary canal injuries in lactating dairy cows

Objective: The objectives were to describe a distal teat amputation and determine the long-term outcomes in dairy cows.

Methods: This retrospective study examined medical records of 22 lactating dairy cows admitted to the Farm Animal Hospital from 2015 to 2021 for distal teat and papillary canal injuries that received a distal teat amputation as the sole surgical treatment. Long-term follow-up was obtained from the Canadian Dairy Network (CDN) and milk producers to determine whether the cows remained in the herd and identify whether any factors affected this outcome.

Results: The hindquarters were affected in 18 of the 22 distally amputated teats (82%; 95% CI, 66% to 98%). Mastitis was the most common postoperative complication. Of the 22 cows, CDN and follow-up information was available for 18 cows (82%). Of these 18 cows, 13 (72%; 95% CI, 51% to 93%) remained in the herd for at least the start of a subsequent lactation following surgery.

Conclusions: Lactating dairy cows had a favorable chance of remaining in the herd following a distal teat amputation.

Clinical relevance: Decreased milking efficiency caused by distal teat injuries can be a source of economic loss for the milk producer. Distal teat amputation to reestablish milk flow was a practical procedure that required attentive postoperative care.