Mastitis

What is it?

Mastitis is inflammation of a mammary gland, usually caused by bacteria entering through the teat. Risk factors include unsanitary conditions, teat injuries from kittens, and infection elsewhere in the body. It is most common after birth, and many cases follow sudden weaning or the loss of a kitten, when milk builds up. A non-infectious type can occur when kittens start eating solid food.

What signs should I watch for?

Early on, kittens may not gain weight as quickly as expected. The affected gland becomes firm, hot, swollen, red or purple, and painful, and milk may contain blood or pus or look thick. With infection there may be a colored discharge from the nipple, poor appetite, lethargy, and fever; an abscess may show as a purplish area. Severe cases can turn a gland dark purple or black and make her very ill.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis is often based on an exam, sometimes with blood tests, milk cytology, or a milk culture. Many cats can be treated at home with antibiotics and pain relief so she can stay with her kittens; warm compresses or hand-milking may be advised. Severe cases need hospital care with intravenous fluids, and an abscess or dead tissue may need surgery.

Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?

• Most cases have a good outlook and improve in two to three weeks with treatment.
• Check teats daily, trim kittens' nails, keep bedding clean, and encourage kittens to nurse from all teats.