This dilemma will only be exacerbated by the inevitable muddy conditions as the snow thaws. Teat injuries nearly always lead to mastitis. Damaged teats are not only more prone to infections, but the cows will be difficult to milk.
Surgical repair is costly and time consuming.
Teat lesions form as a result of injury and harbor pathogenic microorganisms. A product that has given good results as a teat skin conditioner is Preparation H. Mastitis results once bacteria pass through the teat duct and multiply in milk-producing tissues. Microorganisms enter the teat duct in several ways. Between milkings, micro-organisms may pass through the duct by multiplying inside the duct, or by physical movement resulting from pressure placed on the teat end as the cow moves about. During machine milking, microbes may be propelled into the teat cistern.