20 Common Diseases of Dairy Animals and Their Treatment Guide – PART 3

🔶 Introduction (Part 3)

This article is the third and final part (Part–3) of the series “20 Common Diseases in Dairy Animals and Treatment Protocols.” In Part–1, you read about fever, bloat, indigestion/rumen stasis, ketosis, milk fever, mastitis, and repeat breeding. In Part–2, we covered FMD, LSD, pneumonia, calf diarrhea, acidosis, heat stress, and internal/external parasitic problems.

Now, in Part–3, we will understand diseases such as Navel Ill, Retained Placenta, Gastroenteritis, Pink Eye, Anestrus, and Tick fever/Blood parasite diseases. Finally, we will discuss overall preventive strategy, biosecurity, and farm-level management.

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⭐ DISEASE–15: Navel Ill / Joint Ill (Umbilical Infection and Joint Swelling)

1) Etiology

– Failure to disinfect the navel properly immediately after birth
– Dirty, wet bedding (mud, dung, urine contamination)
– Inadequate colostrum intake → poor immunity
– Bacteria: E. coli, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, etc.
– Infection can spread from the navel via the bloodstream to joints, leading to joint ill.

2) Pathogenesis

Bacteria enter through the umbilical cord and reach the umbilical vessels, liver, urinary bladder, and joints. This may result in systemic sepsis, polyarthritis (multiple joint inflammation), and growth retardation. If not treated in time, death or permanent lameness may occur.

3) Clinical Signs

– Navel area warm, swollen, firm, or painful
– Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the navel
– Calf becomes dull and drinks less milk
– Later: swelling and pain in joints (hock, knee, etc.), lameness
– Sometimes fever, dehydration, weakness

4) Diagnosis Hints

– Age: usually 1–30 days
– Navel palpation: warm, thickened, painful cord
– Joint swelling and heat
– History of dirty bedding or poor calving management

5) Differential Diagnosis

– Traumatic joint injury (usually only one joint affected)
– Congenital limb deformities
– Septicemia without umbilical involvement

6) Treatment Protocol

Systemic antibiotic therapy:
Ceftriaxone @20 mg/kg IV/IM OD (5–7 days)
OR
Amoxicillin–clavulanic acid group (as per label dose, 5–7 days)
OR
Oxytetracycline @10 mg/kg IV/IM OD (5–7 days)

Anti-inflammatory:
Meloxicam @0.5 mg/kg SC/IM OD (3 days)

Local therapy:
– Clean the navel area with a mild antiseptic solution (povidone-iodine)
– If a pus pocket is present, drainage by a veterinarian may be required
– Provide clean, dry bedding; change 2–3 times daily

Supportive care:
– ORS/electrolyte solution as per dehydration status
– Good-quality milk or milk replacer, using clean utensils

7) Prevention

– Immediately after birth, dip the navel in 5–7% tincture iodine (2–3 times within the first 24 hours) or clean thoroughly
– Ensure calving and bedding areas are clean and dry
– Provide timely and adequate colostrum
– Regular sanitation of shed and delivery area

▶ Clinical Case Example

Case: A 5-day-old calf had a thick, warm, painful navel, along with swelling and lameness in both forelimb joints. Ceftriaxone + meloxicam + local povidone-iodine dressing and clean bedding reduced swelling and pain within 7–10 days, and the calf began walking normally. Without timely treatment, permanent joint damage was a major risk.

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⭐ DISEASE–16: Retained Placenta (RP)

1) Etiology

– Disturbance in placentome separation
– Premature or prolonged delivery
– Twins, abortion, dystocia
– Serious systemic diseases: milk fever, metritis, ketosis
– Mineral/vitamin deficiency (Se, Vit E, Vit A, etc.)

2) Pathogenesis

Normally, fetal membranes separate from the uterus within 6–12 hours after calving. If uterine contractions are weak, placentomes undergo inflammatory changes, or the dam has systemic illness, the placenta remains retained and may hang for more than 24 hours. Secondary bacterial infection can lead to metritis, toxemia, and adverse effects on fertility.

3) Clinical Signs

– Fetal membranes visible hanging from the vulva even 12–24 hours after calving
– Sometimes foul-smelling discharge
– Mild fever, dullness, reduced appetite
– Later: metritis and delayed conception

4) Diagnosis Hints

– Fresh calved cow/buffalo; note time since calving
– Membranes visibly hanging from the vulva
– Rectal examination to assess uterus and involution
– Signs of systemic illness in complicated cases

5) Differential Diagnosis

– Uterine prolapse (entire uterus outside)
– Vaginal discharge only (no fetal membranes visible)

6) Treatment Protocol

General principle: The membranes should not be pulled forcibly, as this can damage uterine mucosa and increase the risk of future infertility.

Systemic antibiotic:
Ceftriaxone @20 mg/kg IV/IM OD (5 days)
OR
Ampicillin–sulbactam group (as per label dose, 5 days)

Anti-inflammatory:
Meloxicam @0.5 mg/kg IM/SC OD (3 days)

Uterine therapy (under veterinary supervision):
– Uterine supporting preparations (PG analogues/ecbolics) as per clinical judgement
– Mild antiseptic uterine bolus/liquid (as per label), but avoid excessive intrauterine insertion

Supportive care:
– Mineral mixture with vitamins A, D, E and selenium
– Good-quality green fodder and energy-rich diet
– Maintain cleanliness: tail bandaging and perineal cleaning

7) Prevention

– Proper nutrition during the dry period, including mineral and vitamin supplementation
– Clean and well-managed calving pen
– Timely management of milk fever, ketosis, dystocia, etc.
– Close monitoring of high-risk animals during calving

▶ Clinical Case Example

Case: A 3rd lactation HF cow had retained fetal membranes for 24 hours post-calving. The farmer attempted to pull the membranes, but was advised against it. Systemic antibiotic, meloxicam, mineral supplementation, and gentle uterine support were provided. Membranes detached naturally within 3–4 days, uterine involution progressed well, and conception occurred again within 90–120 days.

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⭐ DISEASE–17: Gastroenteritis / Enteritis (Intestinal Inflammation)

1) Etiology

– Bacterial: Salmonella, E. coli, etc.
– Viral: Rota/Corona (especially in young animals)
– Toxic feeds, fungus-contaminated feed
– Sudden ration changes
– Pathogens transmitted through contaminated water or feed

2) Pathogenesis

Inflammation and ulceration of intestinal mucosa reduce absorption and increase secretion → watery diarrhea and heavy loss of water/electrolytes → dehydration, acidosis, weakness. With systemic involvement, toxemia, septicemia, and multi-organ effects may occur.

3) Clinical Signs

– Watery or foul-smelling diarrhea; sometimes blood mixed
– Abdominal pain: frequent tail switching, looking at the abdomen
– Reduced appetite or complete anorexia
– Fever (common in many bacterial enteritis cases)
– Dehydration: sunken eyes, skin tent test positive
– Drop in milk yield and weakness

4) Diagnosis Hints

– Sudden onset diarrhea with systemic signs
– Recent change in feed/water source
– If many animals affected: suspect toxic feed or infectious disease
– Fecal examination/culture (if facility available)

5) Differential Diagnosis

– Simple indigestion
– Parasitic diarrhea (worms, coccidia)
– Specific zoonotic infections (e.g., salmonellosis)

6) Treatment Protocol

Rehydration therapy:
– Mild cases: ORS 5–10 L/day orally in divided doses
– Moderate to severe: IV RL/NS/DNS 5–10 L (as per body weight and dehydration %)

Antibiotic (if bacterial suspicion/high fever/blood in feces):
Enrofloxacin @5–10 mg/kg IM/IV OD (3–5 days)
OR
Ceftriaxone @20 mg/kg IM/IV OD (3–5 days)

Anti-inflammatory / pain relief:
Meloxicam @0.5 mg/kg IM/SC OD (3 days)

Probiotics:
– Yeast + lactic acid bacteria based preparations (as per label)

Diet management:
– Start with light, easily digestible feed
– Gradually return to normal ration

▶ Clinical Case Example

Case: In a group of 10 HF cross cows, after introducing a new silage on the same day, 4–5 animals developed foul-smelling diarrhea, anorexia, and fever. The silage was immediately stopped; ORS + IV fluids + enrofloxacin + meloxicam were given. Diarrhea was controlled within 3–4 days, and production began to recover within a week.

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⭐ DISEASE–18: Pink Eye / Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis

1) Etiology

– Bacteria: Moraxella bovis (major)
– Contributing factors: intense sunlight, dust, flies, mechanical abrasion, vitamin A deficiency, irritant gases

2) Pathogenesis

Bacteria infect the conjunctiva and cornea → conjunctivitis + keratitis → corneal ulceration and opacity, tearing, pain. In deep ulcers or delayed treatment, permanent blindness may occur.

3) Clinical Signs

– Continuous tearing (lacrimation)
– Photophobia: avoids light, seeks shade
– Red, swollen conjunctiva
– White/hazy spot on cornea (opacity/ulcer)
– Pain: frequent eye rubbing, head held down

4) Diagnosis Hints

– Multiple animals affected in the herd
– High fly burden, strong sunlight, dusty conditions
– Keratitis signs in one or both eyes

5) Differential Diagnosis

– Foreign body in the eye
– Trauma (horn/thorn injury)
– Ocular form of IBR (if accompanied by respiratory signs)

6) Treatment Protocol

Topical antibiotic eye preparation:
– Gentamicin / chloramphenicol / ofloxacin-based eye drops or eye ointment, 3–4 times daily for 5–7 days
(Selection depends on local availability and veterinary judgement)

Systemic antibiotic (moderate to severe cases):
Oxytetracycline @10 mg/kg IM OD (5 days)
OR
Ceftiofur @2–5 mg/kg IM/SC OD (3–5 days)

Anti-inflammatory / pain relief:
Meloxicam @0.5 mg/kg IM/SC OD (3 days)

Supportive:
– Vitamin A supplementation (as per label)
– Fly control: repellents and sanitation

Eye protection:
– Provide shade to reduce bright light exposure
– Temporary eye patch if needed (under veterinary supervision)

▶ Clinical Case Example

Case: In a group of 12 crossbred cows, 3–4 animals suddenly developed tearing, corneal opacity, and photophobia. The cause was heavy flies and a dusty paddock. Topical antibiotic eye drops, systemic oxytetracycline, meloxicam, and fly control led to recovery in most cases within 5–7 days. One animal retained mild permanent opacity, but functional vision remained.

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⭐ DISEASE–19: Anestrus / Anoestus (No Heat)

1) Etiology

– Nutritional deficiency: energy, protein, minerals (P, Cu, Zn, Se)
– Silent heat (owner fails to detect)
– Ovarian inactivity / hormonal imbalance
– Chronic uterine infection
– Heat stress; very low or very high body condition score
– Delayed puberty or postpartum anestrus

2) Pathogenesis

Due to dysfunction of the hypothalamus–pituitary–ovarian axis or energy deficit, normal follicular growth and ovulation do not occur, or heat signs remain very mild (silent heat). Often, it is a complex problem involving management, nutrition, and reproduction.

3) Clinical Signs

– Long inter-estrus interval; no visible heat cycles for months
– Drop in milk yield or poor body condition / excessive obesity
– Repeat AI history with failure to conceive
– Vaginal discharge in some cases (suggesting uterine infection)

4) Diagnosis Hints

– Detailed history (calving date, nutrition, lactation, heat observation)
– Rectal palpation/ultrasound for uterus and ovarian status (inactive ovaries, cysts, etc.)
– BCS, mineral status, and heat-stress assessment

5) Differential Diagnosis

– Pregnancy (must be ruled out first)
– Silent estrus (heat occurs but is not detected)
– True pathological anestrus

6) Treatment Protocol (General Guidelines)

Nutritional correction:
– Balanced ration with adequate energy and protein
– Mineral mixture with Ca, P, Zn, Cu, Se and vitamins A, D, E (regularly for at least 60–90 days)

Uterine infection correction (if present):
Ceftriaxone @10–20 mg/kg IM/IV OD (3–5 days) only after clinical examination by a veterinarian

Hormonal therapy:
– This depends entirely on registered veterinary clinical judgement, follicular status, and timing.
– Ovsynch, CIDR, or prostaglandin-based protocols are selected after assessing uterine and ovarian status. It is appropriate to advise that hormonal interventions should not be used without proper per-rectal examination.

Heat detection management:
– Observe the herd 20–30 minutes in the morning and evening
– Train to recognize heat behavior (mounting, restlessness, vulvar mucus)
– Heat detection aids (if available)

▶ Clinical Case Example

Case: A 4th lactation buffalo showed no heat signs even 7–8 months post-calving. BCS was low, ration lacked minerals, and milk production had reduced for the last 2 months. Rectal exam showed an involuted uterus but inactive ovaries. Management included mineral mixture, improved energy ration, ruling out uterine infection, and a vet-guided hormonal protocol. Heat was observed within 2–3 months and conception occurred after successful AI.

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⭐ DISEASE–20: Tick Fever / Blood Parasite Diseases (Babesia, Anaplasma, Theileria)

1) Etiology

– Blood parasites mainly transmitted by ticks:
Babesia spp. (Babesiosis)
Anaplasma spp. (Anaplasmosis)
Theileria spp. (Theileriosis)

2) Pathogenesis (Brief)

Babesia: Multiplies inside RBCs → hemolysis → hemoglobinuria, anemia, fever.
Anaplasma: Infects RBC surface → extravascular hemolysis → progressive anemia, weakness.
Theileria: Affects lymphocytes and RBCs → pyrexia, lymph node swelling, anemia, respiratory distress.

3) Clinical Signs (Common)

– High fever (up to 104–106°F)
– Weakness, dullness
– Pale or icteric mucous membranes
– Reduced appetite or anorexia
– Dark/red urine in some cases (especially babesiosis)
– Sharp fall in milk yield
– Severe cases: respiratory distress, collapse

4) Diagnosis Hints

– Heavy tick infestation or recent tick history
– Pale or icteric conjunctiva
– Dark/red-brown urine (babesiosis suspicion)
– Thin blood smear (Giemsa stain) for parasite detection (if available)

5) Differential Diagnosis

– HS (sudden death, swelling, hemorrhages)
– Severe gastrointestinal bleeding
– Copper toxicity (can mimic hemoglobinuria)

6) Treatment Protocol (General)

Specific antiprotozoal therapy:
Babesiosis: Imidocarb dipropionate @1.2–3 mg/kg IM/SC (dose as per veterinary protocol and species)
Anaplasmosis: Oxytetracycline @10 mg/kg IV/IM OD (5–7 days)
Theileriosis: Buparvaquone @2.5 mg/kg IM, 2 doses 48 hours apart (under veterinary supervision)

Antipyretic / NSAID:
Meloxicam @0.5 mg/kg IM/SC OD (3 days)

Supportive therapy:
– IV fluids (RL/NS) 3–8 L (as per severity)
– Hematinics (iron, folic acid, vitamin B12) during recovery phase
– Blood transfusion for severe anemia (if feasible)

Tick control:
– Ivermectin @0.2–0.4 mg/kg SC (single dose; repeat after 10–14 days if needed)
– External acaricide spray/pour-on (cypermethrin, amitraz, etc. as per label)
– Proper sanitation of shed and surroundings

7) Prevention

– Regular tick control program
– Strategic prophylactic treatment in high-risk areas (as per veterinary guidance)
– Stress control (transport, extreme climate)
– Vaccination where available (especially for theileria)

▶ Clinical Case Example

Case: A crossbred HF cow (4th lactation) showed sudden milk drop, fever 105°F, pale–icteric mucosa, and dark-colored urine. Babesia was detected on a thin blood smear. Treatment with imidocarb + meloxicam + IV fluids + hematinics, along with tick control, normalized fever and urine color within 5–7 days, though full production recovery took 2–3 weeks.

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🔶 Overall Prevention (Preventive Strategy, Biosecurity, and Farm Management)

The above 20 diseases are among the most commonly encountered problems in dairy animals. Many of these conditions can be prevented to a large extent through proper management, nutrition, sanitation, vaccination, and deworming.

1) Nutrition

– Balanced ration with adequate energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins
– Separate ration planning for different stages (dry period, late pregnancy, early lactation)
– Regular availability of mineral mixture and common salt
– Never feed spoiled, moldy, or rotten fodder/grains

2) Vaccination

– FMD: as per program (commonly every 6 months or annually)
– HS, BQ: vaccination before monsoon (as per state protocol)
– LSD, Theileria: where available under government/private programs
– Vaccines for pregnant animals at appropriate timing (as per veterinary advice)

3) Parasite Control (Deworming & Ectoparasite Control)

– Strategic deworming at least 2–3 times per year, especially before and after monsoon
– Spray/pour-on for ticks, lice, and flies along with shed sanitation
– Quarantine new animals and ensure deworming and ectoparasite control before mixing with the herd

4) Sanitation and Biosecurity

– Clean, dry bedding
– Regular removal of dung, urine, and filth
– Separate sick and healthy animals
– Basic disinfection for entry of outside animals/vehicles
– Milking hygiene: pre-dip and post-dip for mastitis control (where feasible)

5) Calving and Neonatal Care

– Clean calving pen
– Immediate navel disinfection with iodine after birth
– Timely colostrum feeding (up to 10% body weight within first 24 hours)
– Protect newborns from cold drafts, dampness, and dirty bedding

6) What to Do in Emergency Situations

– Animal suddenly goes down and cannot stand
– High fever (104–106°F) with rapid breathing, blue/purple mucosa
– Dark red/brown urine; blood in milk or feces
– Severe diarrhea with dehydration (sunken eyes, skin tent test +++)
– Sudden marked fall in milk yield; mouth/hoof blisters
In all such situations, calling a nearby registered veterinary doctor immediately is essential. Self-treatment can be life-threatening.

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🔶 Conclusion (End of the Series)

Across all three parts (Part–1, Part–2, Part–3) of the series “20 Common Diseases in Dairy Animals and Treatment Protocols,” we have attempted to systematically cover 20 key conditions—ranging from fever, metabolic disorders, viral/bacterial infections, mastitis, reproductive issues, parasitism, eye and gut diseases, navel infections, and blood parasite diseases.

This content can serve as a reference resource for field veterinary doctors, interns, paravets, and informed livestock farmers. However, every case is different, and the final decision must always be made after assessing the animal’s real clinical condition.

If you have read Part–3 but have not read the earlier parts, it is recommended to go back and complete Part–1 and Part–2 to get a complete picture of all 20 diseases.

For useful information related to animal husbandry,
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Disclaimer: This article is written for educational and general information purposes only. The final decision regarding disease diagnosis, drug selection, dose, route, and duration must be made only by a registered veterinary doctor after direct examination of the animal. Please do not use any medicine without veterinary advice.