6100 Southeast Federal Highway, Stuart, Florida 34997, United States
What is mastitis?
- Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland.
- Mastitis can be caused by a number of things, but bacterial infection is the most common. Other causes include trauma to the mammary gland or accumulation of milk.
- Most commonly, mastitis is seen in the postpartum (after birth) period of nursing females.
Diagnostics - Confirming That it is Mastitis
- Physical Exam
- Ultrasound of the mammary gland
- Bloodwork - especially a CBC to confirm infection
- Milk cytology to confirm the presence of bacteria and white blood cells
- Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity
Treatment - Getting Rid of the Mastitis
Early Stage
- Antibiotics and pain medication will be prescribed.
- Laser therapy with blue light is also recommended as it can cut healing time in half.
Progression
- Antibiotics and pain medication will be prescribed.
- Laser therapy with blue light is recommended.
- Wound care of the mammary gland may need to be performed by the vet.
Severe
- IV antibiotics and pain medication.
- Surgical removal of necrotic/infected mammary gland.
- Sepsis management by a vet.
Common Questions
Can the pups/kittens still nurse?
- YES, even from the affected gland!
- It is good for the affected gland to be "drained" and the babies do a great job of that.
- Things to consider though:
- It may be too painful for mom, thus you may not want the babies nursing.
- There may be a decrease in milk flow, thus the babies will not get adequate nutrition.
- Depending on the medications prescribed the babies may not be able to nurse.
Do certain dogs and cats develop mastitis more commonly than others?
- NO
- Any breed, age, or experience level is at risk for developing mastitis.
- Things to consider though:
- Smaller litters may mean that mammary glands can become engorged since there are fewer feedings.
- Large litters may mean that mammary glands stay open longer, thus bacteria have more chances to move in.
Prevention MeThods
- Weigh the babies daily
- Check mammary glands daily
- discoloration, swelling, firmness, temperature, pain response
- Check milk secretion quality daily
- color and texture
- Keep the environment clean and dry
When To Call For Mastitis!
- Any early signs of mastitis should be addressed by the vet
- During at-home treatment, if the mastitis starts to have open wounds or sloughing of the skin then immediate debridement by a vet should be performed
- If the animal shows any signs of illness - fever, lethargy, vomiting - then immediate medical attention is required
Balanced Genetics
During Hours: 772-742-1110 After Hours: 772-812-2273 **If for any reason you cannot reach us, please call your nearest emergency clinic for guidance.**
Hours
Today | Closed |
Emergency Veterinary Clinics
Pet Emergency Of Martin County
*Dr. Montilla also works in this location*
2239 S Kanner Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994
772-781-3302 - Open 24 hours
Veterinary Medical Center of St. Lucie County
7790 S US Hwy 1, Port St. Lucie,FL 34952
772-337-8570 - Open 24 hours
Animal Urgent Care Center
3984 US-1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982
772-466-3441 - Open 24 hours
Veterinary Speciality Hospital of Palm Beach Gardens
4019 Hood Rd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
561-625-9995 - Open 24 hours
Jupiter Pet Emergency & Speciality Center
505 Commerce Way, Jupiter, FL 33458
561-741-4041 - Open 24 hours
Pet Emergency and Referral Center
3579 Northlake Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403
561-691-9999 - Open 24 hours