Hold on, don't panic............even if it is lumpy jaw, there are several types.........and the type that requires iodine treatment is fortunately much rarer then the one that shows up as a much easier treatable and lanceable abcess. Not saying that it can't be either/ or, as the tougher one is believed to be caused by a specific bacterium that both cattle may have picked up.who knows?
Before you call the vet.......here's what you can do...........get the cows in a head gate........you got to do it for the vet visit anyway................feel the lumps......are they soft? Hard? hot to the touch? Movable? if they move and not attached to the bone...that should be a very good sign.
Check inside the cheeks if you can...perhaps some feed or briars got into the gum line. look for infection or soreness inside the mouth. As stated above.............put a large bore needle into the lump itself and try to press some puss out through the needle...if puss comes, then do an undercut lance, treat with topical and a simple antibiotic such as penicillen, while yr at it, go ahead and flush the open lance with same...leave lance wound open to drain...it will heal itself from the inside out as the infection clears up.
Now, if the lumps turn out to be hard, won't move etc, then that as stated before is a horse of a different colour, and must be treated by a vet, as it may be attached to the bone, which may then require extensive treatment with iodine etc.
either way..Good Luck, and please,, as this is a learning place for everyone...let us know the outcome please....... :cboy:
