Mastitis Diagnosis

Clinical mastitis is defined as the production of abnormal milk with or without secondary symptoms such as swollen quarters, elevated body temperature and/or other systemic signs. Although clinical infections are rarely apparent prior to calving, routine observation for abnormal swelling is important. Normal prepartum udder secretions range from a honey-like appearance to normal milk. Clinical mastitis can be recognized in preand post-calving secretions, colostrum or milk by the presence of gargot (clots and flakes), abnormal texture or discolouration. It is extremely important to obtain an aseptic milk sample from all clinical mastitis quarters (prior to giving any antibiotics) for bacterial identification. An achievable goal should be < 5% of animals freshening with clinical mastitis.