Mastitis (Mammary Gland Infection)
At Foothills Animal Hospital one of our routine recommendations for the period between birth of puppies (or kittens) is that the temperature of the mother be taken twice daily. After the first 24 hours the temperature should remain normal (between 101 and 102 F. in most dogs and cats) when the mother is at rest. If the temperature starts to rise the most common causes are mastitis or metritis (infection of the uterus). It is also a wise precaution to feel each of the mothers breasts for signs of lumps, pain or excessive warmth daily. Examining the milk from each breast for any signs of discoloration is also helpful. Many times mastitis can be detected before it starts to affect the babies using these methods.
What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is the bacterial infection of one or more mammary glands during the nursing period. Can be mild or acute, and there is the presence of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the milk.
What Causes Mastitis?
Most commonly, mastitis occurs following trauma inflicted on
the glands by sharp puppy and kitten teeth and toenails. An environment
that is not kept scrupulously clean can contribute to the
occurrence of mastitis. Occasionally, mastitis follows infection
in another part of the body, such as
metritis (infection of the uterus).
What are the Signs of Mastitis?
One or more mammary glands are enlarged, red, and painful.
Milk expressed from the glands is
abnormal and often brown or red in color. In addition, the bitch
or queen may be depressed, have a poor appetite and a fever. Puppies
and kittens may fail to gain weight and thrive.
How is Mastitis Diagnosed?
Your veterinarian may suspect mastitis after examining your pet, but will probably want to run tests to confirm the diagnosis. A blood count is performed to evaluate the response to infection. A milk sample is examined to look for infection and is cultured to identify the organism, and to determine the appropriate antibiotic.
How is Mastitis Treated?
Antibiotic therapy is used to combat infection. Repeated application
of warm compresses, and
milking out of the affected glands are important steps to remove
infected milk. Sometimes an
antibacterial solution is flushed into the affected glands. Your
veterinarian will determine if the
puppies or kittens can continue to nurse. This decision is based
on the dam's condition, the
antibiotic being used, and the weight gain of the puppies or kittens.
What is the Prognosis for Animals with Mastitis?
With appropriate care, the prognosis for most patients with mastitis is very good. Rare patients will develop severe abscess (pus pocket) formation or gangrene (tissue destruction) of the glands that will require surgery for cure.
The majority of the information in this page is has been taken from VetMedCenter.com. For further information about this useful source of informtion follow the link or look, on the internet, at www.vetmedcenter.com.