Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis in a Calf: A Case Report on Successful Therapeutic Management
Esther Solomon Mshelia
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria and Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.
Stephen Bitrus Balami *
Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
Ijeoma Chekwube Chukwudi
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This case report describes the successful management of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) in an 8-month-old male calf weighing 300 kg presenting with conjunctival inflammation, blepharospasm, excessive lacrimation, and corneal clouding. Following bacteriological examination and antibiotic sensitivity testing, Moraxella bovis was identified as the causative agent and demonstrated sensitivity to oxytetracycline, which directly guided the therapeutic choice. Treatment with a combination of topical tetracycline eye drops and parenteral oxytetracycline resulted in marked clinical improvement within five days, with complete resolution of clinical signs by day 15 post-treatment. This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and the use of antibiotic sensitivity testing to ensure targeted therapy, thereby improving treatment outcomes and reducing economic losses and animal welfare concerns associated with IBK in cattle production.
Keywords: Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), Moraxella bovis, oxytetracycline, cattle, therapeutic management