Post by scottrill on Jun 2, 2009 21:50:05 GMT -5
I haven't wrtitten in a while as I got layed off, got a new job, and lost access to high speed internet. At any rate, about a month ago Tillie kicked up a piece of metal wire in the pasture that had been buried. It must have punctured her right front teat, but did not break loose until I tried to milk her. She kicked at my hand, hit her udder and the impact caused her teat to explode milk and blood. As a newbie, i just sat there in shock, worrying that she would bleed to death. I called the vet, who said she would not bleed to death but that she would probably need to have her teat cut off, especdially if the laceration was down to the milk duct (it was). However, when the vet came out the following day, she said that she was surprised to see that milk was still coming out the end and advised that we give it a few days to see if it would heal. She gave us some cannulas to use to keep the duct open. Now after 5-6 weeks, she still leaks out of the puncture, although the wound has closed up to a small hole. When she first lets down, the milk pours out of the wound area, but as she empties, and the pressure decreases, the wound closes. The vet said after the first week that we can still collect and use the milk, which we have done with no problem - no mastitis or contaminated milk. we are getting 2-1/2 to 3 gal. of milk per day in twice per day milking. She last freshened last July. The vet determined that she was 5-1/2 months pregnant, so I will be drying her off by middle to late June. The hope is that the wound will close and she will still be able to be milked when her calf is born in August/September. Has anyone ever had this happen?