Milker's Nodules Treatment & Management

Updated: Jun 26, 2018
  • Author: Justin J Finch, MD, FAAD; Chief Editor: William D James, MD  more...
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Treatment

Medical Care

Most milker's nodules resolve by 5-7 weeks without treatment. Some reports of the related orf virus infection advocate prophylactic antibiotics to prevent local superinfection. Antiviral medications are not effective. [6] Direct local care for milker's nodules at avoiding secondary infection.

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Surgical Care

Milker's nodule is typically small, and the natural history is self-limited with spontaneous healing; however, superficial shave excision or curettage in conjunction with cautery of the base will remove lesions. The rationale for this technique, reported in the literature by some authors, is to decrease the amount of virion, which may promote more rapid healing and perhaps prevent lymphadenitis and progression of the lesion to a larger size. [19]

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Prevention

Isolate clinically infected animals from contact with humans who have not had previous exposure. Animals have typical lesions of circinate or horseshoe-shaped crusted erosions around the moist surfaces of the mouth and the nose or papules and erosions around the teats. They may have alopecia of lesions on hair-bearing surfaces. Lesions can be recurrent or chronic in cows.

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