Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
METHOD FOR INTRAMAMMARY INJECTION
1. Remove the cap of the infusion tube and gently insert the
tip into the teat canal. Do not remove the cap until you are
ready to use it. This avoids bacterial or fungal contamina-
tion, which could complicate an already serious condition.
2. Squeeze the medication into the teat.
3. Massage the dose upward toward the base of the udder.
Again, the importance of cleanliness cannot be overemphasized!
Most udder infections can be treated with antibiotics, but unsani-
tary infusion techniques could introduce fungi and molds that are
not sensitive to the antibiotic, resulting in a totally untreatable
condition.
the medication. If it does not inject easily, the needle may be clogged with
tissue or may be in the wrong place. If so, withdraw the needle, replace it with
a new one, and try again. Rub the injection site with disinfectant afterward.
Intramammary Injection
The tips of udder antibiotic syringes are designed for cattle and are diffi cult
to use in sheep, though some come with a fi ne-tip design that works well for
sheep. Cleanliness is paramount when infusing the udder. First, milk out the
affected side of the udder as completely as possible. Afterward, wash your
hands and the udder thoroughly, then carefully disinfect the teats several
times a few minutes apart. A solution of half laundry bleach and half water
works. Dry the end of the teat with a clean paper towel to avoid injecting
germs when you insert the medication.
Antibiotics
Antibiotic
is the general term for a group of products that either kill or seri-
ously impair bacterial growth. They are effective against many bacteria but
are useless against viruses.
Antibiotics are effective only when present in adequate concentration.
Giving a low concentration (below recommended levels) or discontinuing
treatment too soon may fail to kill the more resistant bacteria present in the
