Ketosis in Cattle

To obtain best results in treatment, an adequate concentration of the drug must be maintained in the udder for a period of time. Best results are usually obtained when the drugs are administered once or twice daily over a period of 2 to 4 days, depending upon the causative agent and the nature of the case. Most staphylococcal infections must be treated longer than streptococcal infections. Clinical cases must be treated longer than cases not showing symptoms to produce a cure. Many of the antibiotics are available in various vehicles, such as ointments and water-in-oil emulsions, that are designed for infusion into the udder. The vehicles aid in maintaining an adequate therapeutic level of the antibiotic in the udder for about 24 to 48 hours after i injection. Because antibiotics can persist for several days in the udder, the milk from the treated cows should not be marketed during the period of treatment or for at least 72 hours after the last treatment. The antibiotics interfere with the growth of the bacteria necessary for the production of cheese. The drugs are administered by infusion into the infected quarter through the teat canal. First, though, the teat must be washed thoroughly and the teat orifice cleansed with a pledget of cotton wetted with alcohol. Because drugs do not cure all infections caused by some of the bacteria and yeasts, the danger exists of introducing these resistant micro-organisms into the udders while treating for another type of organism and of allowing a more severe form of mastitis to develop. Faulty technique in preparing the teat for injection and contamination of the instruments, drug, or vehicle may be to blame. In treating acute mastitis, it is desirable to have the drugs administered intravenously or intramuscularly, in addition to infusing them into the udder. Frequent milking of the quarter and application of icepacks at the beginning of the attack often are helpful in preventing excessive swelling until veterinary treatment can be obtained. After the cow no longer shows marked symptoms, the application of hot packs to the udder, along with gentle massage, may hasten recovery.