At first milking today, Ginger's left teat had a cut on it. I have no idea how she got it unless it was from blackberry vines that had been cut and put in their pen. She freshed on March 8th (babies delivered dead) and I started milking her late on March 9th (ten days ago). She is giving approximately a quart a day which means about a cup or more each side miking twice a day.
Her left side has been harder to milk - either it gets fuller or the udder on that side is smaller - it is hard to get started. When I saw the cut, I milked out a little more than two ounces to ease the pressure of the milk. I tried to keep all the "action" above the cut which was no easy matter. I then washed it and dried it then dipped it in iodine.
Unfortunately, the vet's office was closed by the time I discovered this so I am asking here what I should do since this is Saturday. I want to milk her but am very hesitant to milk that side but know I need to so she doesn't get mastitis, etc.
Replies
Sorry I'm just now able to check the forum. I've been gone a lot this weekend, and when I am home, my Internet is not cooperating. Glad to hear things are improving. I usually put pure lanolin on cuts, but udder balm works also. You are correct that you need to keep milking and just do your best to not open the cut.
Glenna,
That is wonderful news that her teat is on the mend. I suppose the best news is that by milking her, she will shed some of those pounds! I hope she gives you heaps of wonderful milk.
Glenna Rose said:
UPDATE: Milking this morning did not open the wound, thankfully. Of course it took considerable care to not touch the affected area. I am optimistic this will heal as quickly as reasonable for what it is. Again, I dipped in iodine and slathered it with udder balm (did it with both teats). She gave me 11.7 ozs. from the injured side and 11 ozs. from the right side. I am delighted with the production. Also, there is a rejected young Tennesse Fainting goat kid 20 miles north of me that is happily eating Ginger's milk. Of course, it is getting much better milk than its sibling with ND milk being so much richer. So some good is coming of Ginger's loss.
UPDATE: I milked her this evening, 10.7 ozs. from that side so she should be close to empty and fine until morning. I was able to keep my hand and fingers above the wound so, hopefully, did not further damage it. It did not start bleeding as it did earlier today so I'm taking that as a good sign. It may have happened very close to the time I milked her earlier. After milking I dipped in iodine and then put udder balm on both her teats. That side was no warmer than the other side and did not appear red though hard to tell with the iodine. I was very pleased she did not raise a big fuss though I did have to hold her leg. Once I got started on that side, I did not take a break being afraid I might not get such a good hand position again; as you know, it can change with just the slightest adjustment. I was surprised I was able to get such a good position to just squeeze So I can go to bed tonight knowing that all seems fine for now.