Efficacy of oral and parenteral ketoprofen in lactating cows with endotoxin-induced acute mastitis

One hind quarter of 27 healthy lactating cows was infused with 100 mu g Escherichia coli endotoxin. Two hours later, nine of the cows were given physiological saline by intramuscular injection, nine were given 4 mg/kg ketoprofen orally, and nine were given 3 mg/kg ketoprofen by intramuscular injection. Ketoprofen administered either orally or parenterally significantly reduced the effect of the endotoxin on rectal temperature, ruminal contractions and respiratory rate. The size of the udder, the signs of pain and the concentrations of thromboxane B-2, especially in plasma, were also reduced, and the appearance of their milk was almost normal. The response of cows to the oral treatment was as rapid as it was to intramuscular treatment.