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CowdemyUdderFIG. 05Applied12 min

Mastitis pathways

Almost every intramammary infection walks in through the teat canal. See contagious versus environmental paths before you blame the tank.

ShareMastitis pathways
The route of entryMAMMARY QUARTER · CHAPTER PLATECHAPTER PLATE · EDUCATIONAL

Numbers

  • Usual entry route

    Teat canal

    With few exceptions, organisms enter through the teat canal. Teach the door, not a mysterious blood-borne story.

    Merck Veterinary Manual

Spot it

  1. MeaningThe physical gate is damaged. New infection risk rises even if dip looks fine.

    Next checkHave the machine checked. Watch unit-on time. Score ends again after the fix.

Field notes on this focus

  1. Note 01The teat end is the gateA compromised teat sphincter undermines even effective post-milking disinfection; managing hyperkeratosis begins with machine function and milking routine.Knowledge level in this topic: Intermediate. Barn-side working knowledge in this topic: checks, pairing, and what to do next.3 min · 2026-09-07The teat end is the gate

Quick check

Q 01 / 01

How do most mastitis organisms enter the gland?

Sources

Plate credit

System figures are educational plates drawn from public-domain veterinary teaching anatomy (udder, claw, uterus, and housing relationships). They are not scanned specimens. Educational only.

Not a veterinary diagnosis, prescription, or ration formula.