What should you know about gangrene mastitis in cows?

Mastitis is inflammation of the udder, often associated with infection. In gangrenous mastitis, blood flow and tissue health can become severely impaired. The affected quarter may be swollen, cold, discoloured or unusually firm, and the milk may look watery, bloody or abnormal. The cow may be depressed, weak, feverish or unwilling to eat. This condition concerns animal health and is not the same as human breast inflammation. Do not rely on milk appearance alone to judge severity.

Separate the cow according to the farm veterinarian's biosecurity advice and arrange an urgent visit. Record when the change was first noticed, which quarter is affected and any changes in appetite, temperature, behaviour or milk. Follow veterinary instructions for sampling, prescribed medicines, pain relief, fluids, milking and humane handling. Do not inject products, use leftover antibiotics or put milk into the food supply without professional direction. Discarding milk and observing withdrawal instructions are decisions for the veterinarian and local animal-health rules.

Contact a veterinarian immediately for a dark or cold quarter, rapidly increasing swelling, foul or bloody milk, severe pain, collapse, weakness, fever or refusal to eat. A cow that cannot stand, becomes confused or worsens quickly needs emergency handling advice. People should wear protective clothing and wash hands after contact with the udder, milk or bedding. Breast Pain, Painful Breastfeeding and Lactation Consultation are human health resources and do not replace veterinary care for cattle.

Which quarter is affected and should it be sampled? What isolation and milking precautions are needed? Which treatments are appropriate for this cow? What is the plan for milk disposal, pain control and welfare?