Acute Treatment of Mastitis

EXPERT TIP

When my, or my staffs’ observations (or indeed the broods’ rectal temp or clinical presentation) indicates that she is possibly unwell, I move quickly. Because we do catch “less than ideal” situations very early because of our attentive husbandry protocols, we rarely reach a point where the brood becomes systemically unwell as so often happens with more developed cases of mastitis or metritis. We have a very good understanding with our reproductive specialist clinic and the amazing specialists Phil Thomas and Xavier Schneider…so if we feel there is a chance the onset of a condition might be eminent; they support our assessment and have the ability to move very swiftly.

Snapshot

Although we offer a Mini Course that delves in to the intricacies of Mastitis and the husbandry practices that can keep it at bay and out of your breeding system, I do want to share with you the approach my reproductive specialists and I take when even a “hint” of a temp or poor demeanour arises – even when clinical signs of mastitis cannot be easily detected.

Why This Is Important?

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It is important that you understand this approach because it is a fast and effective method that we use to ensure our broods maintain maximum contact with their pups, minimal time away from the whelp environment, minimal time in a vet clinic environment (amongst increased health risks that could be returned to a pre-vaccination age litter, but also, any environment away from their litter in the first three weeks is inherently stressful for a lactating mother). Our goal, and that of our vets, is to quickly restore the brood’s ideal demeanour and vitality, prevent any illness taking hold, and ensure our brood is back with her pups ASAP!

Dr Phillip Thomas offered his comments below. Please read more about Phil’s impressive career here https://www.qldvetspecialists.com.au/team#philipt

1. Mastitis seems to occur coincident with, or consequential to metritis and hypocalcaemia

2. At Queensland Veterinary Specialists (QVS Reproduction) our acute treatment is acute (quick), so we can get the bitch out of the hospital and back with her pups ASAP…and this is very desirable.

1. Mastitis seems to occur coincident with, or consequential to metritis and hypocalcaemia.

2. At Queensland Veterinary Specialists (QVS Reproduction) our acute treatment is acute (quick), so we can get the bitch out of the hospital and back with her pups ASAP…and this is very desirable.

3. Acute management is:

   1. Workup: Basic blood work and cytology/culture the milk/gland and ultrasound the uterus.

   2. IV Fluids and Antibiotics with choices, rates and doses depending on the presentation.

   3. Empty the affected gland(s): with pup sucking or massage/milking… whatever is required.

   4. Gentle exercise to encourage uterine involution – ideally a 15 min walk every 4 hours.