Post by bonnie on Aug 5, 2011 18:18:08 GMT -5
I have a question on udder edema and milk mastitis. My jersey cow, Scarlett, is pastured with her 6 month old calf. It is nice having him in there because I have been gone a lot this summer and he helps keep up with the milkings (ie, I have taken the month off). Tonight I went out to do evening chores and noticed she was hard in one quarter (she is a dairy reject: only 2 quarters) , she is always empty with her calf in there. Her milk veins look really big too, like it is backed up. I massaged her for quite a while with Palm oil. She seemed to like it, was a little tender but not kicking. Milk from that quarter was salty, a little yellow but not chunky. I did a CMT test and it did gel. She was a little warm but not really hot. I am concerned at how full it is, it is like she isn't letting down for me, not sure if she just can't or won't. Her calf escaped this morning and was away from her for a while (probably at least a few hours) and I am wondering if that is what happened, she didn't get milked out and I didn't notice. I check her everyday visually, usually she is flat as a pancake. I feel guilty I haven't seperated them and started her on a routine. Bad cow mom I am hesitant to give her an infusion, I HATE those. Does anyone have any similar experiences they could share with me? Obviously if it doesn't clear up with massage and milking, I will do antibiotics but I think we all feel the same about trying to avoid them if we can. Thanks for any advice you can share. It is my own fault, I was thinking this summer has been very easy with my girls. I guess that is what I get for thiking that!
Bonnie
Bonnie