Occurrence and clinical findings of a disease similar to bovine ulcerative mammillitis in south region of Miyagi prefecture.

Abstract

We have observed 54 clinically diagnosed Holstein cows with a disease similar to bovine ulcerative mammillitis, in south region of Miyagi prefecture, from April 1997 to December 1999. Fifty-one of 54 cases were primiparous cows or heifers, and 28 cases were found within 7 days after calving. The diseased cows showed clinical symptoms such as pyrexia (21 cases), loss of appetite(44), swelling of hind legs(29) and dysstasia(25). Single of multiple vesiculation(7), cyanosis(13), ulceration(2) and sclerosed incrustation (22) were observed at teat. In the skin of udders, vesiculation(2), cyanosis(22), and sclerosed incrustation (12) and mastitis (36) were identified. Thereafter, 22 of 54 cases recovered; however, 8 cases developed necrotic and blind teats. There were 4 death cases due to prostration and 24 culled cases were judged poor prognosis due to inhibition of milk secretion and astasia. Preventive procedure must be established immediately by investigating the associated etiology.