What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary glands, usually are a
result of bacterial infection in the milk glands themselves. This
infection usually comes in from the outside and only occurs when the
animal is producing milk or, more commonly, when they have just
finished producing milk. At other times the opening to the gland ducts
are sealed. If left untreated mastitis can become a very serious
problem, The quicker treatment is commenced the less likely that
further complications will occur, in extreme cases septicaemia is
possible.What are the signs
of Mastitis?
One or more of the mammary glands will be swollen, hot and hard. It is
a very painful condition and the cat or dog will often be depressed
and react when the affected lands are touched. The milk produced by
the affected glands will often be changed in thickness and colour –
often watery and brown but can be blood stained, thick, clotted or
even pus like. In severe cases the infection may burst out onto the
skin like an abscess, discharging pus. A dog or cat with mastitis will
often appear depressed, lethargic and will have a fever.
What is the
treatment for Mastitis?
Mastitis is treated with antibiotics, often combined with
anti-inflammatory painkillers since this is a pretty painful problem.
Courses of antibiotics often need to be prolonged, at least 1 week but
often more. It may also need Hot compresses, Possible Intravenous
Fluids, Possible lancing of infected gland.
Severe mastitis can
leave open sores on the mammary glands that may take a few weeks to
heal. In rare cases, so much damage is done that one or more of the
glands must be surgically removed, but this is a rare complication.
It usually necessary
to prevent the pups/kittens from suckling when the mother has
mastitis. If they drink the infected milk is can make the
puppies/kittens ill. If they are not old enough to be weaned, it may
be necessary to bottle feed the puppies/kittens. If only one or two
glands are affected, it may be possible to supervise feeding so that
the affected gland is not used, then supplement any that still seem
hungry. Mastitis is very painful, so the mother may no feel like feeding
anyway.
Can anything be
done to prevent Mastitis?
Ensuring that the mother is in a clean environment helps, but mastitis
will often occur despite the best cleanliness. The most important
thing is to monitor the glands to catch the problem early. Early
treatment will prevent the problem from becoming severe. |
