Dexamethasone and mastitis in cows

Authors: Ashby MG, Buddle BM, Midgley CO
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 24, Issue 9, pp 215-216, Sep 1976
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Endocrine/autocrine/paracrine, Mammary gland/udder, Mastitis, Infectious disease, Parturition, Parturition - induced, Reproduction, Reproduction - female, Reproduction - hormones
Article class: Correspondence

---

Abstract: The use of corticosteroids to induce early parturition to obtain a concentrated calving period has been widely accepted in New Zealand. Retention of the placenta following treatment with corticosteroids has been described by Adams (1969), Lauderdale (1972) and Jochle et al (1972). Welch et al (1973), using dexamethasone trimethylacetate in the Huntly and Bay of Plenty areas, reported that calf mortality was disturbingly high - 31.3% and 17.1% for the resoective areas. Despite having no apparent effect on milk production & subsequent fertility it is possible pre-existing infections may be exacerbated by the use of corticosteroids…

---