Abstract
Teat injuries are common in dairy cattle. Trauma to the papillary canal completely or partially obstructs milk flow. It also predisposes the quarter to mastitis. The injury can be caused by a complete or partial rupture with or without a displacement of the canal. If the rupture is partial or complete without displacement, rest from the milking machine combined with the use of a silicone teat insert can resolve the problem. However, in most cases, a surgical intervention is necessary. Often, the procedure is performed blindly without knowing if the obstructive tissue is removed. Theloscopy is minimally invasive and allows direct viewing of the injury and of the surgical procedure. It also has very little consequences on the teat. By viewing the inside of the teat, an adequate prognosis with appropriate postoperative care can be given to the client.
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