[Persistent udder edema as a herd problem: a literature review]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Physiology
• Immunology

Context:

• Persistent udder edema is a significant concern in cattle health.
• Previous hypotheses suggested volume regulation disturbances play a role.

Purpose:

• To investigate the pathogenesis of persistent udder edema.
• To explore the role of mast cells and histamine in udder edema.
• To evaluate potential treatment strategies.

Summary:

• Disturbances in volume regulation are unlikely to cause persistent udder edema; instead, they may exacerbate local mammary issues.
• Mast cells and histamine release, leading to increased endothelial permeability, are implicated in udder edema pathogenesis.
• Glucocorticoid receptor affinity and dexamethasone binding do not differ between normal and edematous udders.
• Histamine levels are higher in cattle milk than plasma, and urine histamine is diet-dependent.
• Effective treatments include salt/water restriction, potassium/vitamin E supplementation, sodium restriction, and diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, chlorothiazide, and acetazolamide.
• A low dietary cation-anion balance with adequate calcium may reduce mammary edema.

Impact:

• Provides a clearer understanding of udder edema etiology in cattle.
• Identifies mast cells and histamine as key players, shifting focus from volume regulation.
• Offers insights into effective dietary and therapeutic interventions for managing udder edema.