Surgical Interventions for Bovine Self-Suckling

Al-Haid, Sultan A.; Marzok, Mohamed A.; Elkhidr, Rasha; Shousha, Saad A.; El-Sherif, Mohamed W.; Abdelkawi, Mohamed Ali

doi:10.21608/ejvs.2025.379257.2806

Surgical Interventions for Bovine Self-Suckling

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Clinical studies, College of veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia.

² Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, KSA.

³ Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.

⁴ Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.

⁵ Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, Al kharga, New Valley 27511, Egypt.

⁶ Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, Alkharga, New Valley, Egypt

10.21608/ejvs.2025.379257.2806

Abstract

SELF-SUCKLING in cattle is a detrimental behaviour that compromises milk production, and udder health. This study evaluates the efficacy, complications, and implications of surgical interventions for self-suckling, synthesizing evidence from 63 studies (1980–2024). Glossectomy techniques (ventral and lateral) demonstrated the highest success rates (94–96%) but were associated with significant postoperative morbidity, including haemorrhage (12.3%) and prolonged recovery (7.3 ± 2.1 days). Intra-lingual sutures (52–79% success) and tongue piercing (85.3% success), offered reduced complications but higher recurrence rates (15–28%). Anatomical studies revealed key challenges, including lingual vasculature (3.2 ± 0.8 vessels/cm²) and thick mucosal layers (4.1 ± 0.9 mm), which influence technique selection. Overall health outcomes varied significantly, with glossectomy cases showing more stress behaviour (38.7%) compared to piercing (12.4%). Farm management systems markedly impacted outcomes, with glossectomy excelling in modern dairies (98.1% success) and sutures performing better in smallholder operations (72.3%). These findings highlight the importance of tailoring interventions to farm resources, case severity, and safety priorities. The review identifies critical research gaps, including the need for breed-specific anatomical studies and standardized outcome measures, while providing evidence-based guidelines for surgical decision-making.

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