swollen infected teat

Ridgetop

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It looks like the teat got injured and then infected. The doe may have scratched it with a long hind nail, or one of the kits might have accidently bitten or scratched it, then it got infected. The udder itself is not red and swollen so probably not mastitis yet. Mastitis can occur if the infection travels into the milk glands. How old are her kits? Can they be weaned? If not, I suggest removing them during the day. Kits usually only nurse at night so by removing them during the day, hopefully you can clean, disinfect, and keep antibioitics on the teat for 12 hours daily.

The problem will be that the location of the injury will continue to keep it infected from laying on the cage wire, nursing the kits, etc. Removing any pus will help, as will constant cleaning with disinfectant and application of antibiotic ointment. The problem is that the doe will also be cleaning the teat and any antibiotic ointment will be removed when she cleans herself. But you can try this -

First, disinfect the teat with iodine base disinfectant. If there is pus in it, gently squeeze the pus out. Then disinfect it again. Spread on some antibiotic ointment. The problem is that she will probably clean off the teat and remove the antibiotic ointment so put on antibiotic and a small pad over the teat, then wrap the entire body of the doe with vet wrap to try to prevent the bandage from slipping. See if you can get the doe to leave it in place. Probably not but worth a try. Check every hour or 2 to make sure she has not removed the bandaging. At night, remove the vet wrap and dressing. Return the kits to their mom. In the morning (if she left the bandages on the previous day) do it again. Make sure that the mill gland is emptied each day to avoid mastitis.

Actually, if you just clean if off, and express any pus, then disinfect it several times a day, it will probably heal on its own. She will may not want to let the its nurse on it so watch carefully to make sure they are getting fed.

Hope this idea helps.
 

AmberLops

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Tractor supply would probably be cheapest...they have Vetericyn spray and gel, and Curicyn Wound Clay.
Chlorhexidine would be my go-to for that infection though :) You can get that at Tractor Supply for pretty cheap.
 

Gary

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it looks cleaner but is still swollen. ill take another pic tomorrow.
 

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