20 Common Diseases of Dairy Animals and Their Treatment Guide – PART 2

🔶 Introduction (Part 2)

This article is Part–2 of the series “20 Common Diseases in Dairy Animals and Treatment Protocols.” In Part–1, you read doctor-level details on fever, bloat, indigestion/rumen stasis, ketosis, milk fever, mastitis, and repeat breeding/infertility. Now, in this Part–2, we will cover viral and contagious diseases (FMD, LSD), respiratory disease (pneumonia), calf diarrhea, acidosis, heat stress, and internal/external parasitic diseases (parasitism).

The objective remains the same: to provide field veterinary doctors with an organized reference for pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis hints, differential diagnosis, investigations, and treatment protocols, so they can integrate it with their experience and make the best clinical decisions.

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⭐ DISEASE–8: Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

1) Etiology

– FMD virus (Picornavirus)
– Highly contagious; a major cause of oral and hoof lesions, fever, and a severe drop in milk yield.

2) Pathogenesis

The virus multiplies in epithelial cells and forms vesicles (blisters) on the mouth, tongue, lips, gums, and the hoof coronet. When vesicles rupture, painful ulcers develop, and the animal stops eating and walking. Secondary bacterial infection may lead to septicemia in severe cases.

3) Clinical Signs

Cows/Buffaloes (Adults)
– Initial fever (103–105°F)
– Excessive stringy salivation
– Vesicles on tongue, lips, and gums, later turning into raw ulcers
– Lameness; lesions near the hoof coronet
– Sudden 30–80% reduction in milk yield
– In young stock: myocardial involvement (“tiger heart”) → sudden death

4) Diagnosis Hints

– Multiple animals affected simultaneously within a herd
– Vesicles/ulcers on oral mucosa
– Coronitis/lesions on hooves
– Sudden drop in milk production
– Laboratory: virus isolation or ELISA (when required)

5) Differential Diagnosis

– Vesicular stomatitis
– MCF (Malignant Catarrhal Fever)
– Papular stomatitis
– Foot rot (primarily limited to feet)

6) Treatment Protocol (Supportive)

Since FMD is a viral disease, no specific antiviral is available. Therefore, treatment is entirely supportive.

Fever and pain control:
Meloxicam @0.5 mg/kg IM/SC OD (3 days)
OR
Flunixin meglumine @1.1 mg/kg IV/IM OD (3 days)

To prevent secondary bacterial infection:
Oxytetracycline LA @20 mg/kg IM, every 72 hours × 2 doses
OR
Ceftiofur @2–5 mg/kg IM/SC OD (3–5 days)

Oral lesion care:
– Clean the mouth 1–2 times daily with a mild solution of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) or a mild antiseptic solution
– Provide soft, lukewarm feed/gruel
– Avoid very hard or rough fodder

Hoof care:
– 5% copper sulphate or mild antiseptic foot-bath (if feasible)
– Keep bedding dry and clean

Fluids and nutrition:
– ORS 5–10 L/day (in severe cases)
– Energy-rich feed (jaggery, gruel, green fodder)

7) Prevention

– Regular FMD vaccination (as per 6-monthly or annual schedule)
– Quarantine new animals before mixing with the herd
– Separate management of sick and healthy animals
– Proper disposal of oral/hoof discharges

▶ Clinical Case Example

Case: In a herd of 20 dairy cows, milk production suddenly dropped, and 10–12 animals developed oral vesicles, excessive salivation, and mild fever. Examination revealed coronet lesions and vesicles.
Management: NSAIDs and supportive therapy for the whole herd, local oral/hoof care, and a vaccination booster. Most animals resumed eating within 3–5 days, but full milk recovery took 3–4 weeks.

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⭐ DISEASE–9: Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

1) Etiology

– Lumpy skin disease virus (Capripoxvirus)
– Mainly spread by mosquitoes, flies, and blood-sucking insects.

2) Pathogenesis

The virus causes inflammation in the skin, lymph nodes, and internal organs. Multiple skin nodules develop, and vasculitis may lead to necrosis and sloughing. Milk production and body condition can be affected for a prolonged period.

3) Clinical Signs

– Fever up to 103–105°F
– Firm, round nodules (2–5 cm) over the body—neck, shoulder, back, and legs
– Watery eyes, nasal discharge
– Rapid fall in milk yield
– Sometimes lameness, skin sloughing, secondary infection

4) Diagnosis Hints

– Similar nodules in multiple animals in the herd
– Necrosis and scab formation on nodules
– History from an endemic area
– Lab confirmation (PCR/ELISA), if available

5) Differential Diagnosis

– Pseudo-LSD, dermatophilosis
– Insect-bite allergy
– Urticaria

6) Treatment Protocol (Supportive Therapy)

Fever and pain control:
Meloxicam @0.5 mg/kg IM/SC OD (3–5 days)

Secondary bacterial infection prevention:
Oxytetracycline LA @20 mg/kg IM (every 72 hours × 2–3 doses)
OR
Ceftriaxone @10–20 mg/kg IM/IV OD (5 days)

Skin care:
– Clean nodules with a mild antiseptic solution
– Use fly repellent spray
– If wounds are deep, apply topical antibiotic ointment

Fluids and nutrition:
– ORS/electrolyte solution 5–8 L/day (in severe cases)
– Good-quality green fodder, mineral mixture, vitamin B-complex

7) Prevention

– LSD vaccination (as per state/government program)
– Mosquito/fly control (repellents, fumigation)
– Isolate affected animals
– Clean vehicles, equipment, and milk utensils properly

▶ Clinical Case Example

Case: In a mixed herd of 15 cows and buffaloes, 5–6 animals developed nodules, fever, and reduced milk yield. Treatment included NSAIDs, broad-spectrum antibiotics, fly control, and supportive nutrition. Most animals recovered in 10–14 days, but nodular scars and production loss persisted in some animals for a longer period.

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⭐ DISEASE–10: Pneumonia (Respiratory Infection)

1) Etiology

– Bacterial: Pasteurella, Mannheimia, Mycoplasma, etc.
– Viral: IBR, PI3, RSV, etc. (secondary bacterial infection is common)
– Predisposing factors: cold, humidity, overcrowding, transport stress, ammonia gas, sudden weather changes.

2) Pathogenesis

Infection spreads from the upper respiratory tract to the lungs, leading to bronchopneumonia or fibrinous pneumonia. Exudate fills the alveoli, reducing gas exchange → hypoxia → life-threatening condition.

3) Clinical Signs

– Fever 103–105°F
– Rapid breathing, harsh lung sounds
– Cough (dry or moist)
– Nasal discharge: serous → mucopurulent
– Reduced appetite, drop in milk yield, lethargy

4) Diagnosis Hints

– Bubbling/crepitations on auscultation
– Increased respiration rate
– History of cold exposure or transport stress
– CBC: leukocytosis, neutrophilia

5) Differential Diagnosis

– HS (sudden death, swelling, hemorrhages)
– FMD (primarily oral and hoof lesions)
– Allergic bronchitis

6) Treatment Protocol

Systemic antibiotic:
Enrofloxacin @5 mg/kg IM/IV OD (5 days)
OR
Ceftiofur @2–5 mg/kg IM/SC OD (5 days)
OR
Oxytetracycline LA @20 mg/kg IM (every 72 hours × 2 doses)

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

Bronchodilator (if available):
– Xanthine-containing preparation (dose as per label)

Supportive care:
– Warm, dry shelter
– Protect from drafts/cold wind
– Lukewarm water and good-quality fodder
– Severe cases: IV fluids (DNS/NS 3–5 L)

▶ Clinical Case Example

Case: Eight HF cross cows housed in a shed with excess moisture and exposure to cold drafts. Three to four animals developed cough, nasal discharge, and fever. Treatment included ceftiofur + meloxicam + steam inhalation (from a safe distance) and shelter correction. Clear improvement occurred in 5–7 days, but milk production took 10–15 days to return to normal.

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⭐ DISEASE–11: Calf Diarrhea (Neonatal Diarrhea)

1) Etiology

– E. coli, Rotavirus, Coronavirus, Cryptosporidia, Coccidia
– Inadequate colostrum, dirty bedding, poor bottle hygiene, cold stress, and overall stress are major contributing factors.

2) Pathogenesis

Damage to intestinal mucosa reduces absorption and increases secretion → heavy loss of water and electrolytes → dehydration, metabolic acidosis, and hypoglycemia.

3) Clinical Signs

– Watery or foul-smelling diarrhea
– Tail and hindquarters soiled
– Sunken eyes, reduced skin elasticity (skin tent test +)
– Lethargy, reduced milk intake
– Severe cases: unable to stand, cold body, weak pulse

4) Diagnosis Hints

– Age 1–30 days
– History of colostrum intake
– Dehydration assessment (5–12%)
– Lab: fecal examination (if available)

5) Differential Diagnosis

– Nutritional diarrhea (overfeeding)
– Worm infestation (older calves)
– Salmonellosis (bloody diarrhea, fever)

6) Treatment Protocol

Rehydration therapy (most important):
Mild to moderate: ORS orally 1–2 L every 4–6 hours
Severe dehydration: IV fluids:
– Normal saline / Ringer lactate 20–80 ml/kg IV slowly
– Along with 5% dextrose; bicarbonate for acidosis correction (as per veterinary calculation)

Antibiotic therapy (if bacterial suspicion/bloody diarrhea):
Enrofloxacin @5–10 mg/kg IM/IV OD (3–5 days)
OR
Ampicillin–sulbactam group (as per label)

Anti-diarrheal / probiotics:
– Probiotic + pectin-based preparations (as per label)
– Zinc supplementation (if available)

Feeding management:
– Reduce milk quantity but feed more frequently
– Do not stop milk completely (without veterinary advice)

7) Prevention

– Adequate colostrum within 2–4 hours of birth (up to 10% of body weight)
– Clean, dry bedding
– Regular cleaning of feeding utensils
– Vaccination program for pregnant dams (E. coli, rota, corona—if available)

▶ Clinical Case Example

Case: A 7-day-old HF calf with watery diarrhea, sunken eyes, and inability to stand. IV RL + DNS + broad-spectrum antibiotic + oral ORS and warmth led to marked improvement within 48–72 hours; normal feces and feeding behavior returned by day 5.

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⭐ DISEASE–12: Rumen Acidosis

1) Etiology

– Sudden excess intake of grains/concentrates
– Highly fermentable carbohydrates (ground maize, fine bran, bakery waste, etc.)
– Lack of sufficient fiber

2) Pathogenesis

Excess starch increases lactic acid–producing bacteria → rumen pH drops below 5 → rumen flora collapses → rumen motility stops → systemic acidosis, dehydration, laminitis, etc.

3) Clinical Signs

– Sudden loss of appetite
– Rumen movements almost absent
– Dullness, depression
– Watery or foul-smelling feces
– Sometimes laminitis (hoof pain)

4) Diagnosis Hints

– Recent history of excessive grain feeding
– Low rumen fluid pH (check with pH paper)
– Dehydration, tachycardia

5) Treatment Protocol

Rumen lavage:
– If the acid load is high, rumen lavage should be performed by a veterinarian

Rumen alkalizers / buffers:
– Sodium bicarbonate 1–2 g/kg PO (in split doses)
– Commercial buffer preparations (as per label)

Fluids:
– IV Ringer lactate / DNS 5–10 L (as per severity)
– Oral ORS

Rumenotorics and probiotics:
– Rumenotoric liquid 100–150 ml PO BID
– Yeast 25–50 g

Antibiotic (if rumenitis/sepsis suspected):
Oxytetracycline 5–10 mg/kg IM OD (3–5 days)

▶ Clinical Case Example

Case: A high-yield cow was suddenly given an extra 4–5 kg concentrate. Within 24 hours: anorexia, rumen atony, foul diarrhea. Treatment: rumen lavage, sodium bicarbonate, IV fluids, rumenotorics. Rumen motility and appetite returned within 3 days.

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⭐ DISEASE–13: Heat Stress

1) Causes

– High temperature + high humidity (high THI—temperature humidity index)
– Poor airflow, overcrowded shed
– Water shortage, standing in direct sunlight

2) Pathogenesis

Excess heat load overwhelms thermoregulation → hyperthermia, dehydration, reduced feed intake, hormonal imbalance, and negative effects on fertility.

3) Clinical Signs

– Rapid breathing, open-mouth panting
– Increased body temperature
– Increased water intake but reduced feed intake
– Drop in milk yield
– Persistent panting, seeking shade

4) Diagnosis Hints

– Heat wave/high-temperature days
– Lack of shade, inadequate fans/air cooling
– Body temperature may rise to 103–105°F

5) Treatment Protocol

Immediate management:
– Move the animal to shade immediately
– Spray the body with cool (not ice-cold) water
– Ensure good ventilation (fans, cross ventilation)

Fluids:
– Oral electrolytes (5–10 L/day)
– Severe cases: IV fluids (RL/NS 3–5 L)

Anti-inflammatory:
Meloxicam @0.5 mg/kg IM/SC (if fever/inflammation is present)

Dietary management:
– Feed during cooler hours (morning/evening)
– Provide high-quality green fodder
– Sodium bicarbonate + mineral mixture

6) Prevention

– Shade nets, trees, sprinklers, fans
– Continuous access to clean, cool water
– Ration balancing during heat-stress season
– Reduce overcrowding

▶ Clinical Case Example

Case: During May–June, a shed housing 30 HF cows lacked fans and sprinklers. Most animals were panting, and milk yield dropped. Management included cool water, improved shade, foggers, and electrolyte supplementation. Milk yield improved within 7–10 days as THI reduced.

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⭐ DISEASE–14: Parasitism (Internal & External Parasites)

1) Internal Parasites (Worms)

1.1) Causes

– Gastrointestinal nematodes (Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, etc.)
– Liver flukes (Fasciola spp.)
– Coccidia (especially in calves)

1.2) Clinical Signs

– Weight loss, poor body condition
– Dull coat, rough hair
– Pale conjunctiva (anemia—especially with Haemonchus)
– Diarrhea or intermittent loose feces
– Reduced production; adverse effect on fertility

1.3) Diagnosis Hints

– Fecal examination (egg count, if possible)
– Anemia, low PCV
– History of grazing in marshy/wet areas (fluke suspicion)

1.4) Treatment Protocol (Generic Deworming)

For roundworms/GI nematodes:
Albendazole @7.5 mg/kg PO (cattle/buffalo)
OR
Fenbendazole @5–7.5 mg/kg PO

For liver fluke (Fasciola):
Triclabendazole @10–12 mg/kg PO
OR
Closantel @5–10 mg/kg PO/SC (as per label)

Coccidiosis (calves):
Sulfonamide group or toltrazuril (as per label dose, with veterinary advice)

1.5) Prevention

– Regular deworming 2–3 times per year (before/after monsoon)
– Avoid wet, marshy grazing areas (fluke-prone zones)
– Proper manure removal and shed hygiene

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2) External Parasites (Ticks, Lice, Mites, Flies)

2.1) Clinical Signs

– Visible ticks/lice on the body
– Itching, frequent scratching
– Hair loss, thickened skin
– Risk of tick-borne diseases (babesiosis, anaplasmosis)

2.2) Treatment Protocol (Ectoparasite Control)

Acaricides (for ticks/mites):
– Ivermectin @0.2–0.4 mg/kg SC (single dose; repeat in 10–14 days if required)
– Pour-on/spray formulations (cypermethrin, amitraz, etc.—as per label)

Fly control:
– Fly repellent spray
– Proper shed sanitation and dung management

2.3) Prevention

– Regular external parasite control at fixed intervals
– Remove filth, manure piles, and wet areas from the shed
– Quarantine and deworm new animals before mixing with the herd

▶ Clinical Case Example

Case: In a village, most animals had heavy tick and lice infestation, and many showed anemia and weight loss. A programmatic approach using ivermectin SC, cypermethrin spray, and improved shed sanitation reduced parasite burden significantly within 1–2 months, with visible improvement in production.

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🔶 Read in the Next Blog (Part–3)

In the next blog Part–3, you will read: Navel Ill, Retained Placenta, Gastroenteritis, Pink Eye, Anestrus, and Tick fever / blood parasite diseases, along with a detailed discussion on overall prevention, biosecurity, vaccination planning, and what to do immediately in emergency situations.

For useful information related to animal husbandry,
follow the WhatsApp Channel: Pashupalan | Vets & Farmers and save the website pashupalan.co.in 👍

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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.