Archive Case #23: Bovine Mastitis

Clinical Clues

1. A recently calved dairy cow shows reduced milk yield from one quarter.
2. The affected quarter is swollen, warm, and painful on palpation.
3. Milk from that quarter appears watery with clots.
4. The cow is mildly febrile and resents udder examination.
5. California Mastitis Test results are strongly positive in the affected quarter.
6. Inflammation and infection of the mammary gland cause abnormal milk and udder pain in lactating cows.

Diagnosis

Bovine Mastitis

This case is most consistent with Bovine Mastitis because the cow has quarter swelling, painful udder inflammation, abnormal milk, and a positive mastitis test. The most important clues are the local udder changes and altered milk appearance, which strongly support mammary gland infection.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.