Bovine Gangrenous Mastitis by Clostridium perfringens.

Abstract

It was examined a dairy cow, in its third lactation, with a history of abrupt decrease of milk production and presence of blood during milking. In ventral portion of the gland, above the left posterior mammary papilla, it was observed a little gray area suggesting occurrence of a necrosis process. Percutaneous aspiration of the affected region and bacterial culture were done, and Clostridium perfringens was isolated. A mastectomy was followed, and systemic treatment with benzatinic penicillin was applied. The present study describes the uncommon occurrence of gangrenous mastitis by Clostridium perfringens and reinforces the importance of adoption of control and prevention procedures on bovine mastitis.