The effectiveness of ozone as a therapeutic alternative for treating bovine mastitis.

Resumen

Objective: This narrative review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ozone as a therapeutic alternative for bovine mastitis, considering its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in comparison with conventional antibiotic treatments. Design/methodology/approach: A review of the literature published between 2000 and 2025 was conducted, encompassing experimental assays, field studies, theses, reviews, and scientific articles. The purpose of this review was to analyze the doses used, the routes of administration, and the clinical and bacteriological outcomes observed in both clinical and subclinical mastitis. Limitations on study/implications: The principal limitation identified was the inconsistency among the protocols employed, particularly with regard to doses, concentrations, frequency of application, and routes of administration. Findings/conclusions: The local or intramammary use of ozonotherapy has been shown in several studies to be as effective as antibiotics. Its main advantages include the absence of milk residues, low cost, and a reduction in the use of antimicrobial agents. Nevertheless, further controlled studies are required to establish standardized protocols that can be effectively implemented in veterinary practice.