A Teat Plug is a veterinary device designed to seal or maintain patency of the teat canal, particularly after treatment for mastitis, injury, or fibrosis. It is inserted into the teat orifice to either prevent leakage or maintain an open canal post-treatment. Teat plugs are especially useful in animals with involuntary milk flow, fibrosis, or teat trauma.

There are various types of teat plugs based on material and design, including:

•  Stainless Steel (SS) Ring Metal Teat Plug

•   Plastic Superior Teat Plug

•   Ring Base Plug with flexible or locking base

Specification  Details

Length               2 cm – 5 cm

Diameter          2 mm – 4.5 mm

Material        Stainless Steel, Medical-Grade Plastic (ABS/Polypropylene), Rubber (base)

Design Types       SS Ring Metal, Plastic Superior, Rubber Ring Base

Sterilization         Autoclave (Steel), Cold Sterilization (Plastic)

Packaging            Sterile or non-sterile individually packed

Reusability          Both reusable and disposable types available

Application          Primarily veterinary, not used in humans

•  SS Ring Metal Teat Plug

o  Made of high-grade stainless steel

o  Features circular ring stopper for easy handling

o  Reusable and durable

o  Excellent for chronic teat fibrosis and long-term use

•  Plastic Superior Teat Plug

o  Smooth finish; minimizes irritation

o  Lightweight and disposable or semi-reusable

o  Available in sterile packaging

o  Used for mild to moderate blockage or leakage

•  Ring Base Plug

o  Rubber or silicone ring base for gentle fixation

o  Prevents slippage and provides a soft buffer

o  Best suited for post-injury or post-surgical teat cases

•  Stainless Steel (SS) – Surgical-grade, corrosion-resistant, reusable

•  Medical-Grade Plastic (ABS, PP) – Non-reactive, smooth, light-weight

•  Rubber/Silicone Ring Base – Flexible, animal-safe, holds plug in place gently

•  Veterinary Surgical Accessory

•  Mastitis & Lactation Management Device

•  Post-Treatment Support Tool

•  Reusable (SS) – Requires sterilization after each use

•  Disposable (Plastic) – Ready-to-use, single application

•  Ring Base Type – Flexible use depending on case severity

•  Maintains patency of teat canal in post-mastitis recovery

•  Prevents involuntary milk flow

•  Helps keep the teat canal open after fibrosis treatment

•  Ensures delivery of dry cow therapy medications stays effective

•  Useful in surgical repairs or trauma cases to prevent canal sealing

•

Minimizes chance of teat blockage recurrence

•  Prevents milk leakage and supports healing

•  Easy to insert and remove

•  Various materials allow for flexible usage based on case

•  Reusable (metal) options reduce long-term costs

•  Provides comfort and protection to inflamed teats

•  Improper use may irritate or tear the teat lining

•  Needs proper sizing — oversized plug may cause pain

•  Risk of infection if not sterilized properly

•  May be expelled by the animal if not secured well

•  Not suitable for all species (e.g., very small teats in goats)

•  Use correct size to match teat anatomy

•  Always sterilize reusable plugs

•  Monitor the animal to ensure plug remains in place

•  Do not leave in for excessive periods without supervision

•  Discard single-use plugs after application

•  Use under veterinary guidance only

•  HS Code: 9018.90

•  HSN Code: 9018.90.99 Covers all surgical instruments and veterinary tools, including intra-   teat devices.

•  Handle with sterile gloves

•  Lubricate tip if necessary before insertion

•  Insert gently and ensure snug placement

•  Remove with care — do not tug forcefully

•  Clean and sterilize thoroughly after removal (if reusable)

•  Stainless Steel: Autoclave at 121°C for 15–20 minutes

•  Plastic Types: Cold sterilization (2% glutaraldehyde) or use pre-sterile disposables

•  Rubber/Silicone Ring: Chemical disinfection only — not suitable for autoclave

Veterinary Application

•  Widely used in cows and buffaloes

•  Helps in:

o  Post-mastitis recovery

o  Teat injury or surgery support

o  Milk retention prevention

o  Dry cow therapy administration

•  Used both on farms and veterinary hospitals

•  A vital tool in managing teat health and udder hygiene

Human Application

•  Not used or approved in human medical care

•  Modern lactation care in humans uses:

o  Breast shields

o  Milk expression techniques

o  Anti-leak pads or suction support

•  Teat plugs are strictly veterinary tools

Q1: What is a teat plug used for?

It prevents leakage and keeps the teat canal open during or after treatment.

Q2: Is it reusable?

Stainless steel types are reusable; plastic ones are usually disposable.

Q3: Is it safe for the animal?

Yes, if used correctly and monitored. Always select the right size.

Q4: Can I leave it in for long periods?

Only under vet supervision. Overuse can cause irritation or infection.

Q5: Is it used in humans?

No. Teat plugs are not used in human medicine.