Inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane of the oral cavity of cattle, especially in advanced form, have a detrimental effect on the development and productivity of animals, often becoming a problem for farmers. To avoid complications, it is necessary to promptly respond to the first signs and characteristic symptoms of stomatitis in a cow, exclude the presence of dangerous infections and begin treatment immediately.
Causes of stomatitis in cows
Stomatitis in cattle occurs under the influence of various factors, ranging from mechanical damage to severe infectious diseases, one of the symptoms of which is inflammation of the oral mucosa.
Stomatitis in cows occurs for the following reasons:
- an abundance of roughage (low-quality hay from sedge or weeds, spent remains of ears of cereal plants);
- damage to the oral mucosa by foreign objects;
- eating plants containing toxic, irritating compounds (buttercup, spurge, fern, mustard);
- entry into the oral cavity of pesticides and some medicinal substances;
- consumption of spoiled feed contaminated with fungal spores;
- exposure to thermal factors;
- the presence of sluggish chronic infections and functional gastrointestinal disorders;
- hypovitaminosis.
Stomatitis in cattle can be a sign of foot and mouth disease, paratyphoid fever, and hepatitis. To properly solve the problem, it is necessary to evaluate the symptoms and the presence of associated factors.
Signs and symptoms
The first signs of stomatitis in cows, characteristic of all forms of the disease, are impaired chewing function and changes in eating behavior. The animal chews sluggishly, carefully, interrupting and choosing soft food. Often comes close to water. The cow slurps, shakes and rubs her head against her forelimbs. Salivation increases. The saliva foams and flows out in portions.
When examining the oral cavity at the initial stage, swelling and redness of the mucous membrane are visible. Then blistering rashes form on the gums, inner surface of the cheeks, and tongue. The formation of ulcerated, erosive foci is possible. An unpleasant odor appears from the mouth, the tongue becomes covered with a gray coating.
Stomatitis, which occurs under the influence of mechanical, thermal or chemical factors, usually occurs in Cattle without increased body temperature and symptoms of intoxication. Other accompanying symptoms, fever, vomiting, diarrhea are signs of infectious diseases, which resulted in stomatitis.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis begins with visual inspection. The animal’s oral cavity is examined, body temperature is measured, and the presence and severity of other symptoms are assessed. If the infectious nature of stomatitis is suspected, as well as severe forms of the disease, laboratory tests are carried out.
How to treat disease in cattle?
Before starting drug treatment, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of inflammation. Rough food should be excluded from the cow’s diet and the quality of the feed should be monitored. The hay is replaced with soft grass or dry grass treated with boiling water and cooled is given. The diet includes silage, boiled vegetables, and mash.
To avoid irritation of the inflamed mucous membrane, you need to control the temperature of the food, which should not be hot.
It is important to provide the animal with constant access to clean water. It is allowed to add a small amount of acetic or hydrochloric acid to the water. Careful attention must be paid to regular cow oral hygiene. To rinse the oral cavity use:
- clean water;
- 0.5% hydrochloric acid solution;
- 2% solution of table salt;
- 3% baking soda solution.
Catarrhal stomatitis requires antiseptic treatment after each feeding (up to 4 times a day). The oral cavity is irrigated with the following aqueous dilutions:
- slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate;
- 1% boric acid solution;
- furatsilin solution (1:5000);
- 1-3% hydrogen peroxide solution.
The presence of ulcers requires additional treatment with Lugol's solution in glycerin or glycerin-based tannin. Infectious stomatitis requires local and systemic treatment. The oral cavity is treated three times a day with a 0.15% solution of Trypanflavin or a 1% solution of copper sulfate. Systemic drugs are prescribed depending on the manifestations of the primary disease.
Prevention of stomatitis
To prevent stomatitis in cows, it is necessary to monitor the living conditions of the animals and the quality of feed. It is recommended to pre-treat coarse hay with boiling water, cool it and only then offer it to cattle.
Cows should be regularly examined, health indicators monitored, and vaccinated against common infections in a timely manner. At the first signs of illness, it is necessary to take timely measures to prevent the development of complications and the disease becoming chronic.
