Udder disorders and surgery

Udders can be traumatized or require amputation. Trauma is unusual in mares due to the smaller, tucked up udder. Trauma in cattle is often fatal due to rapid exsanguination. On the other hand, amputation is commonly indicated in small ruminants and can be useful in other species. In goats, udder amputation is typically performed due to loss of suspensory attachments or for abnormal lactation (eg hormonal imbalances). Amputation in mares is most commonly reported for tumors but has also been used to treat infections and lymphangiectasia. Amputation in dairy cattle is challenging but has been performed for loss of suspensory attachments in valuable embryo flush cattle and for persistent infections.

References

Mastectomy in ten mares: indications, surgical technique, complications, and long-term outcome. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2024 Jul 31;262(10):1397-1404

Mastectomy in 25 small ruminants (2002-2019). Veterinary Surgery. 2021;50:104–110.