What Are the Treatments for Pinkeye in Calves?

Pinkeye, also known as infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, is an extremely contagious, infectious bacterial disease of the eye caused by Moraxella bovis (M.bovis). It affects cattle of all ages, but primarily young cattle. Pinkeye is transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the bacteria. After exposure, the eye becomes reddened and inflamed throughout the conjunctive (lining) of the eyelid and eyeball. The disease is not fatal. However, because of its impact on production, it should be treated immediately and accurately.

  1. Oxytetracycline

    • Long acting tetracycline may clear the eye of bacteria within 24 hours.

      Oxytetracycline antibiotics such as LA-200, bio-mycin and anchoroxy 200 are very effective at treating pinkeye in calves. Long acting tetracycline is a useful treatment in calves when used in the early stages of disease. After initial intramuscular (I.M.) injection, the bacteria is cleared from the infected eye within 24 hours. This reduces the threat of further breakout to uninfected calves. Dose and frequency should be determined by severity of disease and outbreak. Try a combination of injecting long-acting tetracycline and feeding two grams of oxytetracycline in alfalfa pellets. This treatment reduces severity of outbreaks and decreases the number of additional treatments needed.

    Florfenicol

    • Florfenicol antibiotics such as NuFlor can be dosed intramuscularly or subcutaneously (under the skin). Intramuscular injections require two injections 24 hours apart. Subcutaneous shots require one treatment. NuFlor is not labeled for pinkeye, so a prescription is required, as well as veterinary guidance on its usage.

    Ceftiofur

    • Excede is labeled for injection at the back and base of the ear.

      Ceftiofur products such as Naxel or Excede are broad spectrum antibiotics used treat pinkeye. Naxel is labeled for intramuscular or subcutaneous administration. Excede may be injected on the back of the ear per label instructions. Proper training is required to give this drug at the base of the ear. Incorrect administration will kill the calf quickly. These antibiotics require a veterinarian;s prescription.

    Penicillin

    • Penicillin is injected under the sclera of both eyes.

      Penicillin is injected subconjunctivally or into membrane covering the white of the eye. This method has the same healing rate as long acting oxytetracycline injected intramuscularly, but is more labor intensive. Do not try this procedure without training. After professional training and guidance, give one milliliter under the sclera of both eyes for a minimum of three days.

    Sulfonamides

    • Sulfonamides, also known as sulfa drugs, may be prescribed to treat pinkeye. These drugs are synthetic bacteriostatic antibiotics which inhibit bacteria synthesis. Drug sensitivity varies and sulfonamides are useful if the bacteria is resistant to another antibiotic. These treatments are commonly given in the feed or water.

    Topical Microbials

    • Topical microbials such as sprays or powders may be applied directly to the eye. These applications require multiple treatments. Because of tearing, much of the product may be washed away. Sprays need to be applied many times per day. Powders may cause additional irritation and delay healing.

    Eye Protection

    • Put the animal in a darkened shed if possible.

      Protect the eye from sunlight, flies and other irritants. Put the animal in a darkened shed if possible. Apply an eye patch or have a professional suture the third eyelid over the damaged cornea. Quarantine infected animals to prevent transmitting the bacteria to the rest of the herd.