Effective Cow Mastitis Treatment - Symptoms, Medicine, and Prevention

Mastitis in cattle is a common but serious condition that affects dairy farms worldwide. Early detection and proper cow mastitis treatment are crucial to minimize milk loss, prevent long-term udder damage, and maintain herd health. In this post, we’ll explore what mastitis in cows is, how to spot it, the best treatments available, and how to prevent it from recurring.

What Is Mastitis in Cattle?

Cow or cattle mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland, typically caused by bacterial infection. It affects milk-producing cows and leads to reduced milk quality and yield. Mastitis in cows can present in clinical (visible symptoms) or subclinical (no visible signs) forms, both of which can harm a dairy operation's productivity and profitability.

How Can You Tell If a Cow Has Mastitis?

Recognizing mastitis early is very important to have a successful, smooth treatment. Common signs and symptoms of mastitis in cows can include:

• Swollen, hot, or hardened udder
• Clots or flakes in the milk
• Decreased milk production
• Milk that appears watery or discolored
• Cow showing signs of pain or discomfort during milking
• Fever or overall lethargy in severe cases

For subclinical mastitis, somatic cell count (SCC) testing is essential, as the infection may not produce visible symptoms.

What Is the Best Medicine for Mastitis in Cattle?

The best medicine for mastitis in cattle depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection, which can often be confirmed through lab testing or milk culture. However, common treatment options include:

• Intramammary antibiotics. These are infused directly into the udder, such as amoxicillin, cephapirin, or cloxacillin.
• Systemic antibiotics like Oxytetracycline.
• Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) to help reduce swelling and pain like this Banamine Injection Solution

You can find many more options in our catalog for the different stages of treatment. For detection, we have the California Mastitis Test Kit or CMT. This is an introductory kit for mastitis detection and control. The CMT measures somatic cell counts through a special reagent in a four-chamber paddle.

For treatment options, one suggestion would be the MastoCream Cattle Mastitis Cream. This is composed of 22 of nature's most potent healing herbs in a base of mineral oil, lanolin and petroleum jelly. Simply rub on udders or injured areas twice daily at milking.

To make application easier and hassle-free, you can opt for our Teat Infusion Cannula made from durable plastic, designed to fit any syringe.

For a complete list of our selection, check out our Mastitis Meds and Vaccines for Cattle.

Always consult with a veterinarian before beginning treatment to ensure the right drug is used and milk withdrawal times are followed.

How Long Does Mastitis Last in Cattle?

The duration of mastitis depends on the severity and the cow’s response to treatment. With prompt treatment, clinical mastitis can resolve in 3 to 7 days. Chronic or recurrent mastitis, on the other hand, may take several weeks and can sometimes lead to permanent udder damage. Subclinical mastitis may persist longer and often requires longer-term management strategies.

Prevention Measures for Mastitis in Cows

Preventative measures are very important in cattle and livestock management. There are many practical and economical ways for you to ensure your cattle is safe from this by maintaining clean and dry beddings, practicing proper milking hygiene such as using clean hands and sanitized equipment, performing post-milking teat dips to reduce potential bacterial entry, monitoring somatic cell counts regularly and culling chronically infected cows whenever necessary.

When faced with mastitis in cattle, remember that the first line of defense is usually antibiotics and that providing hydration and proper nutrition make up great supportive care while significantly reducing discomfort they might feel. There are several treatment options you can choose from in our catalog according to what fits your preferences the best.