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maryjane

7074 Posts
Posted - Jun 16 2017 :  08:48:44 AM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
So yesterday I took Lizzy to the WSU Vet School for her first time. I think it was more traumatic for me than her. She kept hiding behind my legs just like a shy child does. Heartbreaking. Anyway, I decided to have a small extra teat she was born with removed. Why? It had already started to look non-functioning (much smaller than her other properly placed teats) but I was told that once she calved, it could end up "communicating" with one of the quarters and since it's not really a milkable teat, she might be more susceptible to mastitis. But if I decided at that point to have it removed, it's more problematic. So snip snip. Dr. Barrington explained to me that it's NOT a hereditary thing and not to worry (neither Lizzy's mother or grandmother or sire or sire's mother had an extra teat. In fact, it's the first one I've seen here). When I showed up with Lizzy, one of the students came up to a group of other students standing with me and said, "So you're here because of an extra teat?" "No," I said, "my calf is." Dr. Barrington said, "If you consider we all start out as two cells that divide exponentially, it's a wonder more of us don't have an extra nose on the back of our heads. Think of this removal like you would removal of a small wart or mole."









First, she got a shot of localized lidocaine. Then, the teat was clamped and sliced off. It didn't even bleed. (The liquid on the table that looks like blood is the disinfectant they used.)



They sprayed it with a disinfectant that will last for a few days and told me not to put anything on it. I thought the little teat looked like something she should put under her pillow.



Here she is, good as new and only four nice-sized teats that will someday be fully functioning.



Here's a before shot.
MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~

NellieBelle

11217 Posts
Posted - Jun 16 2017 :  4:06:44 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Interesting. Did Lizzy have to have a stitch or two, or just snipped off and heals? Speedy healing and a sweet little udder.
To laugh is human but to moo is bovine. Author Unknown
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maryjane

7074 Posts
Posted - Jun 16 2017 :  4:35:01 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
No stitches, just a quick snip. The charge for the procedure was $36.70.
MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~
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Boots&Flipflops

499 Posts
Darla
Posted - Jun 16 2017 :  4:53:22 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Mary Jane, you are so fortunate to have the vet school so close. Lizzy is just a doll!!! Does she have a "chrome udder" now? The vet used that Alu Shield on my wether after he docked his tail and castrated him. (too sick when a baby to band.) Sprayed it all over his Chops bum when done. Looked like he had a chrome bumper:) Good stuff though.

Not that you always enjoy the reason for going to WSU, but I like the fact that you have such a good relation ship with them that they allow all the pictures. I like seeing them, as next year at 54 I am going back to school to get my Vet Tech Certificate... Large animals of course!
To Succeed In This Life You Need Three Things: A Backbone, A Wish Bone and a Funny Bone. As quoted by Reba McEntire
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maryjane

7074 Posts
Posted - Jun 16 2017 :  5:24:10 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
She does have a chrome udder!!!! Shiny and bright and rather metallic looking. I always ask if it's okay to take photos and they've never turned me down yet. I love going there. Everyone is so helpful and loving with my animals. And they always take the time to explain everything to me and answer all my questions. How cool that you're going to get your vet tech license. Impressive!
MaryJane Butters, author of Milk Cow Kitchen ~ striving for the stoicism of a cow standing in the rain ~
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NellieBelle

11217 Posts
Posted - Jun 16 2017 :  5:40:47 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
How awesome Darla that you're going back to get your Vet Tech certificate. Congratulations. Exciting news and I hope you keep us updated.
To laugh is human but to moo is bovine. Author Unknown
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txbikergirl

3197 Posts
Posted - Jun 16 2017 :  6:34:57 PM  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
maryjane,

bea has a 5th teat also, but hers is on the backside of her udder. She was older when we got her, 1 year, and we elected not to do anything. but again, her 5th teat is on the backside of the udder so we were told its placement is much less likely to "talk" to any quarter and actually function. now after calving, we have no issues and it is truly just a little "teat mole" on her backside.

thanks for posting this, it is good info and i feel my "extra teat" education is now complete ;>
Firefly Hollow Farm , our little farmstead. Farmgirl living in the green piney woods of East Texas on 23 acres with a few jerseys, too many chickens, a pair of pugs and my Texan hubby (aka "lover boy")
Edited by - txbikergirl on Jun 16 2017 6:35:26 PM
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