Hi Everyone,

Even though each newborn is given a thorough exam, we missed spotting a teat spur on a doe that is now 6 weeks old. The spur is high up on the teat, pretty close to where it connects to her body (udder). We'd like to snip this little spur off. She's already had her first tetanus shot. Can I just snip it off with sterile scissors? Should I tie it off first?

Please advise. Thanks, Charleen

-- Charleen with Obies in WNY (harperhillfarm@yahoo.com), April 15, 2002

Answers

Yes if you are sure it is a spur teat than just snip it off. You will have a little bit of blood, so clip it when you have some time to hold her in your lap, putting some pressure on the wound. In the real world, you would cut on both sides and remove the spur than stitch the skin back together :) Put a notation to yourself that she has this fault. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), April 16, 2002.