BASIC PRINCIPLES OF MASTITIS THERAPY

Abstract

Mastitis is one of the most important health problems in dairy cows. In addition to thehealth aspect and the apparent impact on animal welfare, mastitis is the largest financial cost in dairyfarms due to treatment costs and rejected milk because of the withdrawal period, as well aspermanently reduced milk production or complete lactation interruption in heavy form of mastitis.The procedure and the outcome of the treatment depend on the form of udder inflammation, degreeof tissue alteration, timing of treatment initiation and the application of adequate preparations or theappropriate procedure. The outcome of therapy can be full restitution of parenchyma and its functionor deterioration of the glandular parenchyma and filling with connective tissue. Nowadays, inconditions of intensive milk production, mastitis therapy is only part of a mastitis control programthat puts mastitis prevention at the forefront. In case of clinical mastitis, it is necessary to applytherapy during lactation.