Mastitis means inflammation of the mammary tissue (breast tissue). This painful condition typically occurs when one or more of the mammary glands (mild-producing glands) becomes infected. Mastitis most commonly affects female dogs after they give birth but may also occur after a false pregnancy. Mastitis is potentially life-threatening and must be treated right away. Here we discuss the possible causes of mastitis and what to look for.
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Mastitis is caused by several well-known bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococci, and β-hemolytic Streptococci are most commonly cultured.
Bacteria gain access to the mammary gland by several possible routes:
In most cases, mastitis can be prevented!
When caught early, the prognosis for mastitis is good. Your vet will likely recommend culturing blood or milk samples. This will help determine the type of bacteria causing the infection so proper treatment can be provided. The mother will likely require antibiotic medication, specific to the bacteria involved.
If the infection is mild, the puppies will typically be allowed to continue nursing. Your vet may also advise you to express milk from the infected gland(s) several times a day to help clear the infection. This makes the mother more comfortable, encourages blood flow, and promotes healing. It’s important to monitor the puppies closely for any side effects of the medication, which may be present in the milk at low levels. Your vet will let you know if this is a concern.
If the mother is very ill or in septic shock, she will need to be hospitalized. Intravenous fluids, pain relief, and specific antibiotics for the infection will be essential. The prognosis for these cases is guarded, even with aggressive treatment. Unfortunately, abscessed or gangrenous glands will require surgical removal under general anesthesia.
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