Symptoms of serous mastitis in a cow, drugs and alternative methods of treatment

Cows in farms and personal subsidiary plots are bred to obtain milk. The state of the udder of an animal directly affects its productivity. That is why the occurrence of serous mastitis in a cow is a serious problem for farmers. The disease requires prompt treatment in order to avoid financial losses, to preserve the milk yield and health of the animal. Today's conversation is about the causes of the development of the disease, methods of treatment and prevention of mastitis.

The reasons

Serous mastitis is an inflammation of the udder in cows. Usually 1-2 lobes are affected, much less often it captures the entire organ. It is characterized by the accumulation of effusion under the skin and connective tissue, petrification of the affected udder area. It usually occurs after childbirth, when the immunity of animals is reduced.

• mechanical damage to the udder (injuries, scratches) received in the pasture or in the barn;
• improper milking of cows (especially first-calf heifers), when milk remains in the udder;
• complications after calving (enteritis or endometritis);
• keeping animals in unsanitary conditions;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

It can be passed from one animal to another when the barn is crowded. Serous mastitis often occurs as a complication of the usual mastitis, which was not cured in time.

Disease symptoms

The infection affects part of the udder or takes over it completely. It is characterized by a violation of nerve conduction in the tissues of the udder, a decrease in the level of production of oxytocin, a hormone without which childbirth and lactation in mammals is impossible.

With the development of serous mastitis, the following signs of the disease are noted:

1. The cow becomes lethargic, loses its appetite.
2. The udder becomes hard, turns to stone.
3. The temperature of the animal rises, the udder becomes swollen, painful, hot to the touch.
4. Milk production decreases, milk becomes liquid, acquires a bluish tint, casein flakes appear in it.
5. Udder tissue turns red, looks inflamed.

The main difference between serous mastitis is the pronounced redness of the organ and its density. In some animals, the lymph nodes above the udder become inflamed.

Diagnostics

When making a diagnosis, the udder is examined from behind and from the sides, each of its lobes, and nipples. It should be symmetrical. Pay attention to the color of the fabrics. A little milk is squeezed out, its consistency, color, and presence of flakes are checked.

The organ is palpated twice: before and after milking, the density of the udder, soreness, the presence of seals, folds, and skin thickness are noted. Check the mobility of the udder. After milking, the probing should be deeper.

Since serous and other types of mastitis in the initial stage can have a latent form, milk is necessarily sent for analysis every month. If a disease is suspected, milk is taken separately from each quarter of the udder.

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How to treat serous mastitis in cows

Treatment should be started immediately after diagnosis. Competent actions can eliminate the disease in 7-10 days, otherwise it can take on a more severe form, the cow will stop giving milk.

Drug treatment

Medicines for the treatment of serous mastitis should be prescribed by a veterinarian. A set of recommended measures allows you to quickly cope with the disease. Perfect for treatment:

1. "Mastisan A". The complex of sulfadimezin, penicillin and streptomycin provides a quick antibacterial effect. Mastisan is a white or yellowish oily liquid. Available in bottles of 100, 50, and 20 milliliters. Before use, it is heated to 37-39 ° C and shaken to stir. The medicine is drawn into a syringe without a needle and injected into the nipple canal (5-20 milliliters) in the inflamed part of the udder. Then the nipple is massaged from bottom to top with gentle movements. The tool is used once a day. At the initial stage of the disease, one injection is enough, with more severe forms of serous mastitis - 5-7 days, at the same time.
2. "Mastomycin". The drug is available in the form of a gel, consists of gintomycin and lidocaine. Sold in the form of syringes, completely ready to use. It is inserted into the nipple canal every 12 hours. Enough 2-6 injections, depending on the severity of the disease.
3. "Suit Weixim" is a German complex preparation. Available in the form of an oil suspension. In addition to the active ingredients (trypsin, chymotrypsin, papain) it contains vitamins A and E. The route of administration is similar, 3 procedures are enough.

Before the introduction of drugs, the udder and teats of the animal are washed with warm water and soap and gently wiped. The nipple is treated with alcohol. Use sterile instruments.

Comprehensive treatment

A set of measures is required for successful treatment. Sick animals are separated from healthy livestock. They are left in the barn, not driven out to the pasture. Stop giving juicy greens, limit drinking. Fresh grass for pets is dried up. This is done to reduce lactation. The cows are kept in a clean, dry and warm environment. It should be well ventilated, but animals should be protected from drafts.

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In addition to antibiotics, absorbing and warming ointments are applied to the udder. Apply ichthyol ointment, heparin, Vishnevsky liniment. The procedures begin to be carried out 3-4 days after the start of the course of antibiotics, after the severe inflammation subsides. Heating with a quartz lamp is effective for relieving inflammation.

Additionally, the nipple canals are washed with a solution of baking soda (2% sodium bicarbonate). The animal is gently milked by hand 4-6 times a day. For the complete release of the udder, oxytocin is injected - 5 milliliters for every 100 kilograms of the cow's weight. The drug is administered intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously, milking begins 10 minutes after the injection. Several times a day, the organ is irrigated with a solution of chlorhexidine or furacilin.

Massage

The procedure allows you to get rid of the seals.Carry out with clean hands, gently massage the udder from bottom to top for 15 minutes 3-4 times a day. Before the massage, the udder is smeared with petroleum jelly, glycerin, a special cream, or lightly lathered.

Traditional methods

To relieve swelling and fever, cabbage leaves are used, they are tied to the udder at night. Laundry soap is used as an antibacterial agent. The affected organ is well soaped and left for 25-30 minutes, then washed with clean warm water. Animals can be given decoctions of nettle or chamomile. Compresses of grated carrots or potatoes or applications of rice or potato starch relieve heat and inflammation.

Why is the disease dangerous?

Serous mastitis is a disease that reduces the productivity of animals. If left untreated, the cow will not be milked and lactation will stop. In severe cases, the disease takes on a chronic form, tissue necrosis occurs, the animal dies.

Preventive measures

For prevention, you should systematically examine the udder, do milk tests for mastitis. Treat udder scratches and cuts with an antiseptic. Keep the barn clean and warm.

Before milking, wash the udder and wipe it dry. Massage. Milk the animal thoroughly. Good food, vitamins and mineral supplements. Provide systematic veterinary checks on livestock.

Can I drink milk from sick animals?

The milk of sick animals is disposed of. It must not be drunk or recycled. When consuming such milk, sore throat and intestinal disorders can occur. Products obtained from such milk have an unpleasant odor, deteriorate quickly, and should not be eaten.

Serous mastitis in cows is common, with timely treatment it is successfully treated, this does not affect the productivity of animals. Good housing conditions, care and good nutrition reduce the risk of developing the disease.