Udder Cleft Dermatitis is an increasingly common yet often under-recognised skin condition affecting dairy cows. As the name suggests, this condition predominantly causes lesions in the cleft between the two udder-halves, most commonly the front quarters and where the udder attaches to the abdominal wall. These lesions can vary from mild to severe, but due to their positioning, are often missed until the lesion is quite extensive. As with any painful lesion, not only is there serious health and welfare concerns but also implications on productivity and yield.
The condition begins as small areas of inflamed skin with some crusting and pustules. These lesions, if left untreated, can progress into large ulcerative wounds with deep erosions and necrotic tissue. In chronic cases, the bacterial infection can enter the bloodstream via the milk vein and spread bacteria around the body. This leads to mastitis, pneumonia and septicemia. Severe cases with deep erosion into the udder tissue and supplying blood vessels can end in significant and often fatal bleeding if the lesion eats into an artery or vein.
What Causes UCD?
The precise cause of UCD is still being researched. Associations with mites, various bacteria and treponemes have been found; however not the species of treponeme that is involved in digital dermatitis. Studies have found that certain udder confirmations, such as larger front quarters and indentations at the attachment of the fore-udder are linked with higher risk of UCD. There are also associations with breed, age, and environmental factors such as cubicle types and foot bathing protocols.
Management and Prevention of UCD
Managing environmental conditions is key to reducing the risk of UCD in the dairy herd. Ensuring cubicles and bedding are clean and dry will reduce the exposure of the udder to moisture and bacterial load. Also consider using fewer abrasive beddings to prevent trauma to the udder that can predispose to infection. As with digital dermatitis, slurry management and frequent scraping of passageways will help to reduce risk. Appropriate ventilation will also aid in reducing humidity levels. Breeding for good udder conformation and strong fore udder attachment could be a long-term approach to reducing Udder Cleft Dermatitis on farm.
How To Treat UCD
Treatment of UCD is most successful when the lesions are caught early, with lesion size dictating the chances of resolution. Therefore, it is crucial to be monitoring for UCD regularly. An ideal time to monitor for these lesions is whilst foot-trimming, for example at dry off. Alternatively, use of a small mirror on a stick can be used to look for lesions as cows come through the parlour. Treatment involves cleaning and drying of the lesions and application of treatments like oxytetracycline spray. Often by time of detection, lesions are severe and pain relief eg, Ketofen, may be indicated to manage the discomfort and inflammation. For further information on treatment and management of these cases please discuss options with your vet.
Written By Megan Rowe, BVetMed MRCVS
