Mastitis in Cows: Signs, Causes & Veterinary Treatment

Mastitis = inflammation of the mammary gland, usually bacterial. Major economic loss in dairy industry.

Clinical Signs

• Local: Swollen, hot, painful quarter; abnormal milk (watery, flakes, clots, blood, pus).
• Systemic: Fever (>102.5°F), depression, anorexia, reduced milk yield, dehydration, tachycardia.
• Chronic/subclinical: No visible signs; ↑ somatic cell count (SCC) in milk.

Common Pathogens

• Contagious: Staph. aureus, Strep. agalactiae, Mycoplasma bovis (spread at milking).
• Environmental: E. coli, Klebsiella, Strep. uberis (from bedding, manure).

Treatment

• Intramammary antibiotics (pirlimycin, cephapirin, heterologous) – per culture/sensitivity.
• Systemic antibiotics + NSAIDs (flunixin) for toxic/septic cases.
• Supportive: Frequent stripping, fluids, udder comfort.

Prevention (5-Point Plan)

1. Post-milking teat disinfection.
2. Dry cow therapy (all quarters at dry-off).
3. Prompt clinical case treatment.
4. Cull chronic/high-SCC cows.
5. Milking machine maintenance.

Veterinary oversight essential for antibiotic stewardship and residue avoidance.