Mastitis is a bacterial infection of the udder. In cases where mastitis is acute, cows will have an enlarged, painful swollen quarter with milk that contains clots (garget) or that appears watery. In some cases, the illness becomes systemic (blood poisoning), and the cow may have a fever, be lethargic, or lack an appetite. Chronic cases have shrunken, hard quarters with no milk sometimes (blind quarters). Replacement heifers with chronic mastitis may calve with swollen quarters that will give no milk because of complete blockage of the teat canal with scar tissue. Contact your veterinarian to confirm your observation.
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How do I know if my cows are exhibiting signs of mastitis?
Last Updated: February 19, 2008
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