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When is it safe to wait for diagnostic results?

Clinical mastitis in dairy cows is one of the most common and costly udder health issues in dairy farming. Not every case will need antibiotic treatment, and many experts and veterinarians now recommend diagnostic testing of each case to identify the optimal management strategy for the cow.

One question that many new to on-farm mastitis diagnostic testing (such as Mastatest) have, is whether it is safe to wait until the results are returned before starting treatment (if required). Evidence from major clinical trials show that it is safe to delay the start of treatment in mild to moderate mastitis cases for 24 hours, without negative impacts on cure rate or speed. Severe clinical mastitis cases should be treated immediately, under the guidance of a veterinarian.

When implemented on farm, this means in practice that the farm team need to have a clear understanding of what mild, moderate and severe clinical mastitis in dairy cows looks like.

Mild Mastitis

Definition: Changes in milk only, such as flakes, clots, or discoloration. The cow shows no other symptoms.
Action: It’s safe to wait 24 hours for mastitis diagnostic test results before deciding on clinical mastitis treatment.

Moderate Mastitis

Definition: Abnormal milk plus swelling, heat, or pain in the udder. The cow is alert and eating.
Action: It’s safe to wait 24 hours for mastitis diagnostic test results before deciding on clinical mastitis treatment., with monitoring.

Severe Mastitis

Definition: Abnormal milk, udder inflammation, and systemic illness with a fever over 39.5°C, lethargy, and/or loss of appetite.
Action: Seek veterinary advice and begin immediate treatment with an appropriate antibiotic. Carry out a mastitis diagnostic test, and adjust the treatment plan is necessary based on the results.

Bottom line:

Incorporating selective mastitis treatment guided by rapid mastitis diagnostics, such as Mastatest, helps reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in dairy cows and supports herd health. Mastatest is unique in that it returns bacterial diagnostic results direct to your inbox in 24 hours, with a clear summary of the causative bacteria and course of action as recommended by your veterinarian.

When you integrate a diagnostic tool such as Mastatest into your mastitis management SOP, knowing the difference between mild, moderate, and severe mastitis is essential to understanding whether it is safe to delay antibiotic treatment.

In mild and moderate cases of mastitis, evidence shows it is suitable to delay treatment for 24 hours until the diagnostic results are returned. Severe mastitis should always be treated immediately. Always seek advice from your veterinarian if you are unsure.