Teat tip reconstruction by supernumerary teat autotransplantation in cattle.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of use of a supernumerary teat as a pedicle graft to repair experimental teat tip damage in cattle.


METHODS
Experimental study.


METHODS
Mature, non-gravid hybrid cows with > or =1 supernumerary teat.


METHODS
The main teat and adjacent supernumerary teat were examined for patency by ultrasound with a 8 MHz linear array transducer. The tip of the main teat was resected at the junction of cistern and canal. The supernumerary teat was partially resected semi-circumferentially at the cranial aspect of the base to maintain vascular supply and transplanted by end-to-end anastomosis. The pedicle of the supernumerary teat graft was amputated in stages starting at 14 days, again at 16 days and separated at 18 days. Reconstructed teat patency was evaluated at intervals by ultrasonography and confirmed at 50 days by histopathology. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the measurements of luminal diameter between days; significance was set at P<.05.


RESULTS
All reconstructed teats were patent. Decreased luminal diameters were detected at 25, 32, 39, and 46 days by ultrasonography. On histopathology, granulation and epithelial (mucosal) proliferation contributed to luminal reduction.


CONCLUSIONS
In this experimental model of an acute damage to a teat tip, supernumerary teat grafting was successfully used to restore teat anatomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Supernumerary teat pedicle grafting may be considered as a salvage technique for reconstruction of a damaged bovine teat in cows that have an adjacent patent supernumerary teat. Function of the reconstructed teat in a lactating cow remains unknown.
Saifzadeh
Siamak
S
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran. s.saifzadeh@mail.urmia.ac.ir
Ardebili
Farhad Farrokhi
FF
Hobbenaghi
Rahim
R
Farid
Jafar
J
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery / Q000637:transplantation*; D013997:Time Factors; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography