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Naturally occurring acute coliform mastitis in Holstein cattle
C K Cebra1, F B Garry, R P Dinsmore
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523, USA.
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Coliform mastitis in Holstein cows can lead to uremia and metabolic acidosis, reducing survival rates. Bacteremia, indicated by specific blood cell counts and higher plasma fibrinogen, suggests a severe infection where systemic antibiotics may be beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Bovine Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Coliform mastitis is a significant concern in dairy cattle.
- Understanding clinicopathologic predictors of severity and outcome is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate clinicopathologic findings in adult Holstein cows with coliform mastitis.
- To identify factors associated with survival and bacteremia.
- To evaluate the potential benefit of systemic antibiotic therapy.
Main Methods:
- Studied 44 adult Holstein cows with naturally occurring coliform mastitis.
- Grouped cattle by lactation stage and survival.
- Performed physical examinations, clinicopathologic analyses, and bacteriologic blood cultures.
- Compared bacteremic and nonbacteremic cows.
Main Results:
- Nonsurviving cows exhibited higher creatinine and anion gap, with lower serum protein and CO2, indicating uremia and metabolic acidosis.
- Bacteremic cows (Escherichia coli in 32%) showed prolonged illness, higher total nucleated cell counts, specific white blood cell differentials, and elevated plasma fibrinogen.
- No significant difference in mortality was observed between bacteremic and nonbacteremic groups.
Conclusions:
- Uremia and metabolic acidosis are associated with a poorer prognosis in coliform mastitis.
- Bacteremia is more prevalent than previously reported and associated with specific hematologic parameters.
- Systemic antibiotic therapy may be warranted in severe cases of coliform mastitis with bacteremia.