FA mastitis

• Subclinical mastitis occurs when there are no visible clinical signs, but changes in SCC and milk yield
• What is mastitis?

  Infection of the udder
• Mastitis occurs when pathogens bypass the teat sphincter and streak canal to spread into the udder.

  True
• What characterizes Grade 1 mastitis?

  Mild changes to milk
• Grade 2C mastitis is characterized by chronic changes in the milk and a hard, lumpy udder.

  True
• Grade 2A mastitis involves acute changes to the milk and a hot, painful udder
• Match the teat immune defense mechanisms with their function:

  Lactoferrin ↔️ Iron-binding protein

  Lactoperoxidase ↔️ Bacteriostatic agent

  Lysozyme ↔️ Bactericidal protein
• What happens to the cow in Grade 3 mastitis?

  Becomes systemically sick
• The dry period is a high-risk stage of lactation for new mastitis infections due to reduced teat immunity
• Why is the early dry period a high-risk time for mastitis?

  High levels of neutrophils
• Colostrogenesis during the peri-parturient period can interfere with neutrophil capacity and phagocytic ability.

  True
• Hypocalcaemia weakens the teat sphincter mechanism, increasing the risk of mastitis due to contaminated environment
• How does negative energy balance (NEB) affect mastitis risk?

  Low leukocyte counts
• Vaccination against S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci reduces the incidence and severity of clinical mastitis.

  True
• What are the risks associated with sub-acute rumen acidosis (SARA)?

  Reduced DMI and diarrhoea
• What type of stress is a risk factor for mastitis?

  General stress
• Dry period management is key to udder health
• Teat injuries can allow bacterial colonization and increase the risk of mastitis.

  True
• Teat lesions can be a sign of systemic diseases such as FMD, MCF, or photosensitization
• Why can teat lesions prevent calves from suckling?

  Painful and inflamed
• Match the prevention strategies for mastitis with their purpose:

  Good breeding genetics ↔️ Reduce susceptibility to infections

  Teat sealants at drying off ↔️ Prevent pathogen entry

  Good quality milking machine ↔️ Avoid teat damage

  Loafing time post-milking ↔️ Allow teat sphincter to close
• Teat end hyperkeratosis can be caused by excessive milking vacuums or faulty liner pulsations.

  True
• What is the general approach to treating teat disorders?

  Check age and pain
• General treatment for teat disorders includes IM antibiotics, emollients, and use of a teat cannula
• Bovine papillomatosis is caused by the bovine papilloma virus and is often seen in young animals
• What type of teats have an increased risk of mastitis?

  Rough or very rough teats
• Bovine papillomatosis often self-cures, but ligation or surgery may be necessary in some cases.

  True
• Why can papillomas lead to mastitis?

  Harbour bacteria
• Pseudocowpox is caused by the parapox virus and results in horseshoe-shaped scabs
• What virus causes bovine herpes mammillitis?

  BHV-2
• Order the steps for managing bovine herpes mammillitis to prevent spread:

  1️⃣ Milk affected cows last

  2️⃣ Apply antivirals
• Black spot is damage to the teat end caused by excess vacuum and secondary infection with Fusobacterium necrophorum
• Which animal transmits cowpox to cows?

  Cats
• Photosensitization in cows is often associated with underlying hepatic injury.

  True
• A teat pea is a pedunculated granuloma attached to the wall of the teat canal
• What is a common cause of chapped teats?

  Worn teat liners
• Order the steps for removing a teat pea using Hudson's spiral:

  1️⃣ Insert spiral into teat canal

  2️⃣ Rotate spiral upwards

  3️⃣ Jerk upwards to tear granuloma

  4️⃣ Milk out granuloma
• What is a common cause of teat stenosis?

  Trauma
• Sedation with xylazine is recommended during teat surgery to prevent kicks.

  True
• Supernumerary teats are often inherited and ideally removed in heifers during disbudding