Pinkeye Treatment for Cattle

Infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis, better known as cattle pinkeye, is a contagious bacterial infection of the eye. While it rarely is fatal, it can have an economic impact for the cattleman by lowering milk production in dairy herds and weight gain of beef cattle. According to Oklahoma State University (OSU), it was second only to scours and diarrhea as a preventable condition effecting calves older than three weeks.

  1. Signs of Pinkeye

    • Pinkeye most often occurs in the summer and fall. Redness of the conjunctiva (or white of the eye), swelling and squinting are common physical symptoms. Loss of appetite occurs due to the pain associated with the disease.

    Treating Pinkeye

    • According to OSU, antibiotics are the best course of treatment for pinkeye. They suggest oxytetracycline, sulfonamides or penicillin. All must be administered by or under the order of a veterinarian.

    Treatment Methods

    • Most of the antibiotics listed by OSU are injected either intramuscularly or subconjunctivally. Administering subconjuntival injections (shots under the white of the eye) requires a high level of skill and is often administered by a veterinarian.

    Topical Treatments of Pinkeye

    • Topical microbial treatments for pinkeye are available. According to OSU, the effectiveness of these treatments is short-lived. Repeated treatments may be necessary.

    Preventing Pinkeye

    • If a herd of young cattle is exposed to pinkeye, the disease can become a major health problem. OSU estimates that up to 80 percent of a herd could become infected. Quarantine diseased animals away from the rest of the herd, and minimize stress on the cattle through proper nutrition and handling.