Mastitis in dairy cows: signs and care

Mastitis in dairy cows is udder inflammation that may alter milk and can become a serious illness. The problem may involve one quarter or more and may be mild, hidden, or severe. Quick recognition helps protect the cow, maintain hygienic milking, and prevent unsuitable milk from entering the supply.

Look for a quarter that is swollen, firm, hot, or tender, alongside milk that is watery, clotted, stringy, or unusually coloured. A cow with more advanced illness may have a raised temperature, reduced appetite, low energy, or less milk production. Subtle cases can be found through regular milk observation or herd testing. Bacteria may enter through the teat opening, especially when milking hygiene, equipment, or udder condition allows contamination.

Follow the farm's isolation and milking protocol, milk affected cows as directed, and clean hands and equipment between animals. Label the cow and record the quarter, milk appearance, behaviour, appetite, and any temperature reading. Discard or hold milk as directed by the veterinarian. Treatment may involve prescribed medicine, pain control, fluids, or supportive care, but the correct choice depends on examination and local food-safety instructions. Do not share medicines between cows.

Seek veterinary help promptly if the cow is weak, feverish, dehydrated, unable to stand, refusing feed, or showing a painful, rapidly changing udder. Blood, pus-like material, a sudden milk drop, or illness in several cows also warrants prompt contact. Keep the cow's milk separate until the veterinarian confirms what is appropriate and documents any treatment-withholding instructions.

Ask whether a milk sample is needed, how the cow should be milked and housed, what pain relief is suitable, and how long milk must be withheld after treatment. Clarify how to monitor the quarter and which changes require an emergency visit.