Teat & Udder Surgery

Question 1

The Hugs teat tumor extractor is used for obstruction in the area of the __________

Answer 1

teat cistern

Question 2

Identify this instrument:

Answer 2

Spiral teat curette

• Used if lichty teat knife doesn’t work
• Used to enlarge the teat canal
• Twist like a screw into teat canal then pull out quickly

Question 3

Identify this instrument

Answer 3

Lichty teat knife

Used in a tight teat/streak canal to increase the diameter and increase milk flow

Question 4

This instrument is useful for removal of a lactolith from a cow’s teat:

Answer 4

Alligator forceps

Question 5

When are supernumerary teats typically removed?

Answer 5

~6 months of age (~the time the animal is vaccinated)

Question 6

T/F: Operating through the papillary duct (teat canal) is less likely than thelotomy to result in a teat fistula

Answer 6

True

Question 7

Which of the following teat lacerations has the best prognosis for uncomplicated healing?

• Vertical near the base of the teat
• Horizontal near the tip of the teat
• Vertical near the tip of the teat (papillary duct)
• Horizontal through the papillary duct

Answer 7

Vertical near the base of the teat​

Question 8

T/F: Operating through the papillary duct (teat canal) enables easier evaluation of obstructions within the teat cistern than theolotomy permits

Answer 8

False

Question 9

For teat implants, the teat cistern is filled with __________

Answer 9

silastic tubing

Question 10

Identify this instrument:

Answer 10

Hugs teat tumor extractor

• Used for obstruction in the area of the teat cistern

Question 11

Identify this piece of equipment:

Answer 11

Larson Teat Canula

Placed in the teat canal to allow milk to exit the teat without milking (just unscrew the cap). This allows injuries of the teat to heal more rapidly. The disadvantage is that it predisposes the cow to infection

Question 12

Name two instruments that can be used to treat obstructions in the teat cistern

Answer 12

Hugs teat tumor extractor, Cornell teat curette

Question 13

What are the indications for teat implants?

Answer 13

• Teat cistern mucosa cannot be closed over the defect (mass/lesion)
• Membrane present in heifer between gland and teat cistern

Question 14

“Thelium” is the proper term for __________

Answer 14

NIPPLE

Question 15

T/F: Horizontal teat lacerations have a better prognosis than vertical teat lacerations

Answer 15

False

Vertical teat lacerations have a better prognosis

Question 16

What is the #1 source of blood supply to the mammary gland that you’ll need to ligate in the case of udder amputation?

Answer 16

External pudendal artery and vein

largest vessels, use large suture (you can use umbilical tape) and double ligate (circumferential); if cut, there is really nothing you can do, animal bleeds to death (1.5 cm in diameter)​

Question 17

Can you use a teat implant in the case of teat laceration?

Answer 17

No.

Question 18

T/F: Proximal teat lacerations typically heal more quickly than distal teat lacerations

Answer 18

True

More proximal = better blood supply

Question 19

A cow presents with an emergency full-thickness teat laceration. How would you close it?

Answer 19

three-layer closure

• 1^st – Mucosa (simple continuous pattern using tapered needle) - fine absorbable suture material (vicryl/PDS), 4-0 - mucosa & submucosa).
  
  • Must use small suture so milk doesn’t leak & it’s TIGHT
• 2^nd – Submucosa (simple continuous pattern using tapered needle & fine absorbable suture - muscle and submucosa)
• 3^rd – Skin (vertical mattress using cutting needle and non-absorbable suture material)

Question 20

What is the most common congenital anomaly in cattle?

Answer 20

supernumerary teats

Question 21

Identify this instrument:

Answer 21

Cornell teat curette

Question 22

When performing udder amputation, what suture pattern should be used for deeper tissue to relieve tension?

Answer 22

near-far-far-near