Effects of two anti-inflammatory drugs on physiologic variables and milk production in cows with endotoxin-induced mastitis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of 2 anti-inflammatory drugs in lactating Holstein cows with endotoxin-induced mastitis.


METHODS
30 multiparous Holstein cows that had been lactating for 30 to 60 days.


METHODS
Bacterial culture of milk samples and physical examinations established that study cows were in good health and free of mastitis. Mastitis was induced in 1 front mammary gland by intramammary administration of purified bacterial endotoxin. Cows were allocated into 1 of 3 treatment groups: untreated endotoxic mastitis (n = 9), endotoxic mastitis plus flunixin meglumine (9), and endotoxic mastitis plus isoflupredone acetate (10). Heart rate, rectal temperature, mammary surface area, and rumen motility were recorded hourly for 14 hours following endotoxin administration. Flunixin meglumine or isoflupredone acetate was administered after mammary swelling and rectal temperature > or = 40 degrees C had developed. Milk production was evaluated from 5 days before to 10 days after induction of mastitis.


RESULTS
Neither drug ameliorated loss of milk production or swelling of the affected mammary gland. Both drugs reduced mean heart rate during the 14 hours following endotoxin administration, compared with untreated control cows. Cows treated with flunixin meglumine had increased rumen motility and decreased rectal temperature during the same period, compared with all other cows.


CONCLUSIONS
Neither drug enhanced recovery of milk production following endotoxin-induced mastitis. Flunixin meglumine decreased rectal temperature, whereas isoflupredone did not; however, it has not been established that reduction of fever is beneficial to cows with naturally occurring mastitis.
Wagner
Sarah A
SA
Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
Apley
Michael D
MD
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001831:Body Temperature; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology*; D003002:Clonixin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004731:Endotoxins; D005477:Fluprednisolone / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008414:Mastitis, Bovine / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008892:Milk / Q000502:physiology
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004731:Endotoxins; C065592:isoflupredone acetate; C014558:flunixin meglumine; D005477:Fluprednisolone; D003002:Clonixin