If a ewe has mastitis, what type of sample will a veterinarian take to run a culture and sensitivity test on?

When a ewe is diagnosed with mastitis, the veterinarian will take a milk sample to perform a culture and sensitivity test. Mastitis is an infection of the udder tissue, and the primary purpose of collecting milk is to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. This helps the veterinarian determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment.

A milk sample contains the bacteria and inflammatory cells associated with mastitis, allowing for accurate identification. The culture reveals which pathogens are present, and the sensitivity test determines which antibiotics will be effective against those pathogens. This targeted approach to treatment maximizes the chances of resolving the infection effectively and can help prevent issues like antibiotic resistance.

In contrast, samples such as urine, fecal matter, or saliva do not provide the necessary information to directly address a mastitis infection, as they are not related to the udder or the specific conditions affecting it. Therefore, the collection of a milk sample is essential in diagnosing and managing mastitis effectively.