Background and Goals
Mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary gland, is one of the most significant diseases affecting dairy cattle worldwide. It causes reduced milk yield, poor milk quality, and substantial economic losses in dairy farms. This case study examines the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of mastitis in a Holstein-Friesian dairy cow, highlighting best practices for timely intervention and effective treatment. The goal is to provide students with practical insights into identifying mastitis, understanding its etiology, and implementing appropriate management strategies.
Materials and Methods
a. Subject: A 3-year-old Holstein-Friesian dairy cow in mid-lactation.
b. Clinical Signs: Swelling, heat, and pain in the right rear quarter of the udder, decreased milk production, and milk with clots and abnormal consistency.
c. Diagnostic Procedures:
California Mastitis Test (CMT): Performed on all four quarters; the affected quarter tested strongly positive.
Milk Culture: Samples collected from the affected quarter identified Staphylococcus aureus as the causative pathogen.
Somatic Cell Count (SCC): Elevated in the affected quarter, indicating inflammation.
Milk pH Test: Higher than normal pH, consistent with mastitis.
d. Additional Observations: The cow exhibited mild fever and reduced appetite. The rest of the physical examination was unremarkable.
Results
The diagnosis confirmed clinical mastitis in the right rear quarter caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The elevated SCC and positive CMT, combined with milk abnormalities, supported the infection. Timely identification allowed for immediate intervention, preventing further complications and spread within the herd.
Management and Treatment
- Antibiotic Therapy: Intramammary administration of ceftiofur according to veterinary prescription guidelines.
- Anti-inflammatory Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce udder inflammation and pain.
- Supportive Care: Vitamins and electrolytes were supplemented to support recovery and improve appetite.
- Milking Practices: The affected quarter was milked last, and milking hygiene was strictly enforced to prevent spread. Equipment and teats were sanitized before and after milking.
- Monitoring: Daily observation of clinical signs and milk quality. Follow-up milk cultures were conducted after 10 days to ensure bacterial clearance.
Outcome
After 10 days of treatment and supportive care:
- Milk production returned to normal.
- Clinical signs, including swelling, heat, and clots, resolved.
- Follow-up milk cultures were negative for Staphylococcus aureus, confirming recovery.
The case highlights that early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management are critical in controlling mastitis and minimizing economic losses.
Conclusion
Clinical mastitis in dairy cattle requires prompt recognition and a structured management approach. This case emphasizes:
- Importance of routine monitoring of udder health and milk quality.
- Use of diagnostic tools like CMT, SCC, and milk culture to confirm infection.
- Implementation of targeted antibiotic therapy alongside anti-inflammatory treatment.
- Adherence to strict hygiene and milking protocols to prevent herd-wide spread.
Keywords
Mastitis, Dairy Cattle, Diagnosis, California Mastitis Test, Somatic Cell Count, Milk Culture, Staphylococcus aureus, Management
References
- Babji, B. R., et al. (2020). A Case Study of Clinical Mastitis in a Cow. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 9(5). https://www.ijcmas.com/9-5-2020/B.%20R.%20Babji2%2C%20et%20al.pdf
- Sharma, N., & Singh, N. (2022). Advances in the diagnosis and management of bovine mastitis.Veterinary World, 15(8), 2052–2062. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2022.2052-2062
- McDougall, S., et al. (2020). On-farm diagnostic techniques for bovine mastitis. Journal of Dairy Science, 103(11), 10545–10560. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-18987
Copyright
Babji, B. R., et al. (2020). This case study is adapted from an open-access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which allows reproduction and use for educational purposes with proper attribution.
Disclaimer
This lesson paraphrases and adapts content from the original research by Babji et al. (2020). All rights to the original publication remain with the authors and journal. This material is intended solely for educational and teaching purposes. Any commercial use or reproduction of the original work without permission is prohibited. You can find the full case study here: https://www.ijcmas.com/abstractview.php?ID=17289&vol=9-5-2020&SNo=198
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