How to Treat Pinkeye in Cattle

The medical term for pinkeye in cattle is Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis. Moraxella bovis is the name of the bacteria that is responsible for causing pinkeye in cattle. There are a few things that can lead to a cow getting recurring pinkeye, such as grazing in tall grass or a large amount of flies around the stables. Just like humans, cows need to be treated for pinkeye so that they don't end up with a bad infection, or worse, lose sight in their eye.

Things You'll Need

  • Gentamicin sulfate ophthalmic solution
  • Plastic gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a bottle of Gentamicin Sulfate ophthalmic solution. You can order this through your vet or get it from a pet website. This is an antibiotic made especially for treating infections of the eye.

    • 2

      Wear a pair of disposable plastic gloves when getting ready to treat your cow for pinkeye. This will keep you from spreading any germs on your hand to your cow's eye.

    • 3

      Shake the bottle. Some of the contents of the bottle may settle. It is important to give it a shake to combine the ingredients before applying the medicine in the eye.

    • 4

      Hold your cow's eye open with one hand, and drip two drops of the Gentamicin Sulfate in it with the provided eyedropper. You may want to have a partner keep the cow calm while you do this.

    • 5

      Throw away the gloves and wash your hands.

    • 6

      Repeat this procedure every four hours for seven days, or until the cow no longer has pinkeye.