For a cow with a swollen quarter and clotted milk after treatment for mastitis, what is the most appropriate management?

For a cow showing symptoms of a swollen quarter and clotted milk after treatment for mastitis, milk culture and sensitivity testing is the most appropriate management strategy. This approach is critical because it allows for the identification of the specific pathogens causing the mastitis, particularly after an initial treatment has not resolved the issue.

Understanding the microbial agent responsible for the condition ensures that treatment can be tailored effectively. In particular, mastitis can be caused by a variety of bacteria, and the pathogens involved may differ from those initially presumed, especially if the cow has previously received antibiotics. By conducting milk culture and sensitivity testing, the veterinarian can determine which bacteria are present and to which antibiotics they are sensitive, thereby improving the chances of effective treatment.

In contrast, administering broad-spectrum systemic antibiotics without targeted testing might not effectively address the specific bacteria involved and could contribute to antibiotic resistance. Similarly, while intramammary antibiotics may be useful in treating certain cases of mastitis, it is essential to know the causative agent to select the correct type of antibiotics. Lastly, using a California mastitis test would provide an indication of mastitis but would not yield specific information about the pathogen involved, thus not addressing the root cause of the current condition.