Diagnostic ultrasonography in cattle with teat disorders

Diagnostic ultrasonography in cattle with teat disorders. Introduction Teat diseases play an important role in modern dairy farming and may lead to economic losses. Therefore an exact diagnosis and prognosis are necessary. As an additional method ultrasonographic scanning can be used. Methods The case records from 68 cows that were diagnosed with teat disorders at the Clinic for Ruminants of the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna were reviewed. The normal ultrasonographic appearance of the teat was compared with pathological findings including inflammation of the teat canal, teat sphincter (Furstenberg's rosette), mucosa, teat wall, stenosis of the annular ring between teat sinus and gland sinus, and fistulas. Ultrasound examinations were performed using an Esaote AU5 with a 13 MHz linear transducer in horizontal and vertical planes. Sonographic examination methods of the teat with and without a stand-off device were compared and the results of the findings evaluated for conformity. Results In contrast to earlier studies improved visualization of teat structures was due to a higher frequency transducer (13 MHz). Conclusion Ultrasonographic scanning is a helpful tool for diagnosis of teat diseases. Diagnostic scans of teats carried out with a 13 MHz linear transducer without stand-off device turned out to be a very practical method.