Catarrhal mastitis in cows

Inflammatory diseases of the udder in cattle require immediate treatment. One of the varieties of infection of milk tanks is catarrhal mastitis in cows. It is characterized by the development of inflammation localized in the milk ducts or udder alveoli. The defeat of the alveolar part usually occurs at later stages of development. The danger of this disease lies in the fact that if the animal is not helped in time, this form of mastitis can turn into purulent-catarrhal, and then into gangrenous. To begin treatment, you must first learn to recognize the signs of the disease.

Catarrhal mastitis in cattle

Symptoms

Catarrhal mastitis in the phase of development of inflammation of the milk ducts almost does not manifest itself in any way. The cow behaves normally – eats, drinks, her body temperature is normal, the udder is soft, there are no visible changes on it. However, an attentive farmer may find small lumps in one quarter of the mammary gland on palpation.

The difficulty is that they are no larger than a pea, and therefore it is difficult to feel them. When inflammation has affected only the milk ducts, you can find out about this by expressing the first portion of milk. Its structure is changed – there are flakes and curdled clots. With further pumping, milk is released normal. If at this stage the treatment of catarrhal mastitis in a cow is not started, the inflammatory process passes to the alveoli. Symptoms then are already more pronounced, the general condition of the animal worsens:

  • The cow is not eating well.
  • There is lethargy.
  • The udder becomes hot.
  • In some cases, the body temperature of the animal rises.
  • On palpation, large (walnut-sized) seals in the udder are felt.
  • The affected part of the milk tank may increase in size.
  • When viewed and touched, the cow feels pain, worries.
  • Yield is reduced.
  • Milk changes color, becomes cloudy with an admixture of flakes and clots.

Attention! Catarrhal mastitis requires an immediate visit to the veterinarian – the development of inflammation occurs rapidly. Lack of treatment can lead to destructive changes in the tissues of the udder, gangrene and sepsis.

Causes of the disease

The causative agents of the disease are most often pathogenic bacteria – usually streptococci, staphylococci or E. coli. They can enter the body of an animal through the milk ducts of the nipple. The main causes of inflammation are:

Poor udder hygiene

Poor udder hygiene

  1. Poor living conditions for cows.
  2. Poor udder hygiene.
  3. Inaccurate milking by pinching.
  4. Mechanical damage to the nipple, violation of the integrity of the mucous membrane of the lactiferous duct.

Treatment

Treatment of catarrhal mastitis in a cow is complex. A sick animal in the warm season must be transferred to a stall. It is important to take care of clean, dry bedding and monitor hygiene in the stall – regularly clean and disinfect the room. The cow must be protected from drafts. The beginning of therapy is associated with changes in the diet of the animal. Juicy feed is removed from her menu, and hay is offered instead. Also reduce the amount of drinking.

Pumping, udder massage

In the treatment of this form of mastitis, regular massage and pumping of milk is of great importance. Massage movements should be soft and directed from top to bottom. The procedure is carried out before each pumping – after about 3-4 hours. The use of ointments is allowed:

Ichthyol ointment

Ichthyol ointment

  • Ichthyol.
  • Salicylic.
  • Iodine.

Reference. Milk is expressed into a separate bowl, trying to prevent drops from falling on the floor and bedding in order to avoid re-infection of the animal.

If milking is difficult, veterinarians recommend using hormone therapy to increase milk production. Cows are injected with 5-6 units of oxytocin per 100 kg of body weight intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. 5-7 minutes after the injection, attempts to express milk are repeated.

Antibacterial therapy

Antibiotics will help to destroy the pathogenic microflora that contributed to the onset of inflammation. The course of treatment usually lasts up to 5 days, but in advanced cases it can be extended on the recommendation of a veterinarian. Antibacterial drugs for the treatment of catarrhal mastitis in cows are:

  • Streptomycin.
  • Cefotaxime.
  • Monomycin.
  • Bicilin.

For effective treatment, it is advisable to take samples of the released milk for analysis. This will identify the pathogen and select an antibiotic to which the bacterium is sensitive. In parallel with antibacterial drugs, vitamin complexes are prescribed to the cow to maintain its immune system.

Milk analysis

Milk analysis

Cooling and warming compresses

In the first 2-3 days it is contraindicated to warm up the udder. When the disease is in the acute phase, it is recommended to apply cooling compresses. For example, clay applications with the addition of vinegar. They help relieve pain and relieve swelling. Starting from 3-4 days of treatment, it is already possible to warm up the udder. To do this, use dry heat – wax applications, body wraps, vodka compresses with honey.

Attention! After using honey, oil and other food products that are part of the warming mixtures, the udder should be thoroughly washed with warm water and wiped dry with a clean soft cloth.

Disinfection procedures

Chlorhexidine, furatsilin and other disinfecting solutions are used to disinfect the milk tank. Irrigation is carried out 3-4 times a day. A good result is quartzing with a lamp 2-3 times a day.

disease prevention

Catarrhal mastitis, like other types of udder disease, is easier to prevent than to treat. Preventive measures include:

  1. Timely cleaning in the stall.
  2. Change of pad.
  3. Disinfection of the premises.
  4. Udder treatment before and after each milking.
  5. Careful examination of this part of the cow’s body for mechanical damage.
  6. Improving the immunity of the animal – the organization of good nutrition, regular grazing.

Regular grazing

Regular grazing

If a cow has inflamed milk ducts or alveoli, this is catarrhal mastitis. It is necessary to start treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid complications – the development of a purulent process and irreversible changes in tissues. The therapy includes the obligatory use of antibiotics, massage, frequent pumping of milk, compresses, applications, proper nutrition of the animal and vitamin therapy.

You can bookmark this page

Anna Evans

Author-editor

View all posts by Anna Evans →