Thirty two mammary teats of Holstein cows, in the dry period, were submitted to histological examination. Lateral thelostomy was performed in all teats, producing a linear defect on the mucous membrane of the lactiferous sinus (MMLS). The teats were also submitted to a standard rectangular excision on the mucous membrane of MMLS, on the opposite side of thelostomy. All thelostomies were sutured and then the teats were divided in 2 groups. One group received Foleys's catheter of 2.7mm in diameter and was designed teat distention group. The 16 remain teats formed the no teat distention group. The Foleys's catheter balloon distention produced MMLS dilatation and also a 7 days maintenance period on the mammary teat. The scar evaluation of the linear and rectangular defects, performed trough morphologic and histological examinations showed that the dilatation on MMLS contributes on the scar orientation, keeping the lactiferous sinus patency in a greater number of teats, when both groups were compared. The MMLS dilatation interferes with telothomies healing, can observe so more alterations on the mucous membrane of lactiferous sinus.
cow; mammary teat; teat; dilatator; theloscopy
