Udder edema in high-yielding dairy cows: epidemiological screening, early milk-based diagnosis, and statistical analysis of surgical outcomes in Eastern Libya

Udder edema is a frequent periparturient disorder in high-yielding dairy cows, yet epidemiological data and surgical outcome analyses remain scarce in North Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of udder edema, evaluate early milk-based diagnostic indicators, and statistically analyze surgical outcomes in dairy cows in Eastern Libya. A prospective epidemiological screening was conducted on 100 high-producing dairy cows during the periparturient period, followed by detailed clinical and surgical evaluation of six complicated cases. Udder edema was assessed using a standardized clinical scoring system, udder measurements, and the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Surgical cases included three abscesses, two hematomas, and one fibrotic lesion. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and Pearson correlation analyses were performed using SPSS (α = 0.05). Udder edema prevalence reached 79% (79/100 cows; 95% CI: 70–86%). All six surgical cases achieved complete clinical recovery, resulting in a surgical success rate of 100%. Healing time differed significantly between abscesses and hematomas (mean 7.3 vs 17.5 days, P = 0.047). Lesion size showed an exceptionally strong positive correlation with healing duration (r = 0.993, P < 0.001), identifying lesion area as a powerful predictor of postoperative recovery. The CMT demonstrated 100% sensitivity in detecting cases that required surgical intervention. In conclusion, udder edema is highly prevalent in high-yielding dairy cows in Eastern Libya. Lesion size is the strongest predictor of surgical outcome, while early intervention within 10 days combined with routine CMT screening represents an optimal management strategy. These findings provide practical, evidence-based recommendations for veterinarians and dairy farmers in the regio