Use of Conjunctival Grafts and Temporary Tube Implants for Treatment of Teat Sinus Mucosal Injuries

Objectives- Using conjunctival graft to replace experimental mucosal defects of teat sinus. Study- Experimental study. Animals- Five healthy, mature, lactating, Jersey cows. Methods- Conjunctival mucosal grafts with teat cannula were evaluated in the repair of experimental teat sinus mucosal lesions. A ۱.۵xl em wide circumferential strip of mucosa was resected from each teat in five Jersey cows. Each lesion was then treated by one of the three methods: ۱. teat cannula (C ); ۲. Conjunctivalmucosal graft and teat cannula (C+G); ۳. Only mucosal graft (G). All teats were evaluated ۴ weeks after treatment, for patency and luminal diameter by radiography and ultrasonic examination. The cow s were euthanized, and teats were collected for histopathologic study. Results- The histopathologic and radiographic results showed that the conjunctival tissue of the teat was incorporated by the teat mucosal tissue. Some acanthosis in conjunctiva was observed, due to the stimulation of the teat cannula. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- Conjunctival grafts can be used in teat mucosal defect s when other therapeutic methods fail to keep the integrity of the teat sinus mucosa.