How to Treat Canine Mastitis Naturally and
Recommended Veterinarian Treatment By
Tanisha
Breton
When you have a newly whelped dog everything can seem so blissful
and surreal but as with everything, there is also a less pleasant side to a
nursing dam. This includes latching difficulties, low milk production,
engorgement, and the much dreaded mastitis. Mastitis is a breeders breeders
worst nightmare. It is an infection of the breast tissue that involves
enlargement, swelling, lumpiness, and pain in the affected Mammary gland (teat)
. The pain has been described as excruciating for any women who has suffered
through it which I have 3 times the first pregnancy being my worse and most
severe and it's the same for dogs as well. It can be so extreme that the
affected breast becomes red, hardened, broken blood vessels, bruising and
eventually when the infection gets so severe and the milk has no where else to
go it cause the infection to burst through the skin causing a open gaping
wound. The combination of the stress of pregnancy, nursing, and sharp puppy
teeth create a potential playground for bacteria. In most situations, the
nursing dog’s immune system can fight off the bacteria, but if mama dog lacks
proper nutrition, is overly stressed, or contending with other factors, her
immune system can’t successfully clear the bacteria and an infection
develops.
Acute Septic Mastitis - Each female has a total of
ten teats and five pairs of mammary glands. Acute Septic canine mastitis occurs
when bacteria enters the dog's body through a wound or puncture on the teat
causing an infection and abscess to one or more of the mammary glands. Mastitis
is typically caused by three kinds of bacteria: e-coli, staphylococcus, or
streptococcus.
It is also possible that any milk passed by the
'Dam' may contain blood or appear thick and yellow in color. However, the milk
can also appear perfectly normal in color and texture.
Treatment for Acute Septic canine Mastitis will
involve a combination of treatments including antibiotics and warm compresses
being applied to the affected area (for up to half an hour at a time). The
infected glands will then need to be gently stripped so that the milk can be
expressed. Early treatment is very important as this can stop any abscesses
from forming. It is also important for owners to remember that if the mammary
glands are not suckled the female will stop producing milk after a period of
three days. Spotting the signs of a mastitis infection is crucial to providing
early treatment that will not only save your female a great deal of discomfort,
it could save her from a more serious blood infection.
Although it is usually limited to one or two teats,
mastitis is extremely painful and, if left untreated, the bacteria can spread
and the mama dog can become seriously ill. Mastitis causes the mammary gland to
become blocked, so milk cannot be released. The teat swells and becomes red and
painful to the touch. Sometimes, pus or discolored milk may be released. It
becomes increasingly difficult for mom to nurse her puppies because of the
pain, so the whole pack suffers.
At worst case scenario, untreated mastitis can
result in an agonizing abscess which may need to be surgically removed or
drained, and possibly require the puppies to stop nursing all together and
puppies hand fed. In addition to these direct symptoms on the breast, mastitis
is often accompanied by a fever, a vague or unfocused feeling of mental
uneasiness, lethargy, not wanting to eat, drink, tend to puppies or discomfort.
Sometimes the breasts engorge if the puppies misses a feeding, when the puppies
starts to sleep through the night, or when mom starts to wean the puppies.
Other causes might be failure of the milk ducts to drain completely. Once
mastitis has developed, a dam will suffer with very sore and tender breasts. A
red, inflamed spot develops and a red line can be seen that traces the clogged
milk duct. Flu-like symptoms, general aches, fever (101.1 F or higher),
headaches and chills accompany mastitis. If left untreated, a painful abscess
can develop. This occurs 5 percent of the time. The milk from the affected
breast might taste saltier than usual because there are higher levels of sodium
within the swollen, inflamed tissue. The puppies might even notice the
difference and protest during the feeding.
Symptoms to watch for include:
Sudden loss of
appetite
Fever and lethargy
Aggressive behavior (Caused by
pain)
Tenderness of one or more breasts
An abscess or infected-looking
scratch near the nipple
Redness, heat, swelling and hardness of the affected
breast(s)
Dark discoloration of the affected breast(s)
Discolored
milk
Foul-smelling pus discharge from the nipple
Some breeders misdiagnose plugged ducts for
mastitis, although many dams who have frequent bouts of plugged ducts often
develop at least one case of mastitis. While plugged ducts, which are more
prevalent than mastitis, can feel equally painful and require treatment, they
don't hurt as much as mastitis and are not caused by bacterial infections. Milk
ducts might become blocked for other reasons: an overabundance of milk, poor
latch (when the puppies mouth does not form a firm seal around the nipple in
cases of poor suckle reflexes), a shift in nursing patterns or compressed
breasts (from sleeping on the affected side).
Other differences that set plugged ducts apart from
mastitis are:
Plugged ducts come on gradually.
They might move around the
mammary gland.
They have little or no heat associated with them.
They
might cause localized pain or discomfort.
They usually are not accompanied
with flu-like symptoms.
Any fever that is present usually stays below 101
F.4
Plugged ducts can be easily treated by massaging or pressing directly on
the affected area, or by using warm compresses.
Puppies themselves will show signs of drinking
infected milk. Symptoms include:
Distressed behavior (Crying,
restlessness)
Dehydration
Weight loss
Eventual lethargy followed by
death
Green stool indicates an infection
Treatment For Mastitis
The conventional method of
treatment for mastitis is a course of antibiotics. While this treatment is
certainly effective in treating mastitis, taking drugs while a dam is nursing
puppies can cause diarrhea which can lead to dehydration since the medication
passes through the mother's milk which is helpful to treating the puppies if
any bacterial infection has passed through her milk but it also destroys the
good bacteria flora in the digestive tract live cultures of Bifidobacteria,
will help improve the intestinal flora by killing or inhibiting the growth of
bad bacteria in the digestive system.
It's essential probitics are given any
time antibiotics are prescribed. Here are some recommended products:
Bene Bac (contains 7 live, naturally-occurring
microorganisms to support digestive tract.)
http://www.revivalanimal.com/Benebac-Pet-Gel-and-Powder.html
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1231
or a probiotic yogurt with especially Bifidobacteria
cultures such as Kefir (which contains 10 live active cultures), Greek Gods (4
live active cultures, Stonyfield Brands which also include YoBaby contain 6
live active cultures, FAGE Total Greek Yogurt (4 live active cultures) ,
Activia (1 live culture of Bifidobacteria),
Veterinarian Treatment for Mastitis:
Your
veterinarian may recommend tests, which could include:
1) Needle aspiration
and examination of discharge
2)
Microscopic evaluation of the milk or any discharge
3) Bacterial culture and
sensitivity of the fluid, to identify bacteria type
4) A complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate blood-related
conditions
In situations where your veterinarian suspects the
mastitis has spread, they may recommend additional tests to evaluate the
overall health of your furry friend. These may include:
1) Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and
pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels
2) Electrolyte tests to ensure
your pet isn’t dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance
3)
Urine tests to screen for urinary tract infection and other disease, and to
evaluate the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine
So what can breeders do to treat mastitis
naturally?
Natural Remedies For Mastitis
1) Let the puppies Nurse
frequently.
Mastitis usually indicates that there is a plugged milk duct in
the mammary gland. There is no better way to break up that clog than to have
the puppies nurse frequently. Although nursing may be painful during an active
infection, it is still the best remedy for mastitis. Even with a conventional
treatment of antibiotics, vets typically recommend that patients continue
nursing often to expedite the process. Stopping puppies from nursing will cause
more harm than good just causing a bigger blockage. Allow puppies to nurse for
at least a recommended 6 weeks even weaning her puppies too early can cause
mastitis.
2) Massage the mammary gland and clogged duct.
As
the puppies are nursing, massage the affected mammary gland with your fingers.
This will help to loosen the plugged milk duct. Massage from the outer mammary
gland towards the nipple, in the area that is infected.In between nursing
sessions knead the base of the mammary gland and press on any areas that might
feel hard to the touch.
3) Cold Cabbage leaves.
As unusual as it may
seem, a raw cabbage leaf placed over the infection will work wonders in
soothing the inflamed mammary gland. A cool cabbage leaf acts as a cold
compress to reduce inflammation. This cabbage treatment not only relieves
breast tenderness, but also helps to unclog the milk duct to flush the
infection. Cabbage leaves really do relieve engorgement, possibly more
effectively than icepacks or other treatments. Regular green cabbage such as
you’ll find at the grocery contains sinigrin, magnesium, oxylate, mustard oil,
rapine and sulphur heterosides. This natural mixture of compounds reduces
tissue congestion by dilating the small blood vessels to improve blood flow to
the area.
To use, crush the green cabbage leaves with a
rolling pin to break the veins. Wt the leaf and place in the freezer for a
couple of minutes then
place the
cabbage leaves over the effected area. You can stop using the cabbage as soon
as the engorgement goes down.
4) Hydrate – It’s very important to make sure mom is
getting plenty of plenty of fluids to recover from mastitis. Mom should have a
adequate supply of fresh water throughout the day in close proximity to her and
the puppies to maintain a good milk supply and support proper body functioning
and healing.
5) A warm Bath.
Giving your dam a warm bath and
letting the water hit the affected mammary gland will help to loosen the
clogged milk duct, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
6) Get plenty of rest.
As with any infection, the
body is in overdrive working to get rid of mastitis. Make sure mom has a quiet
place, undisturbed by kids, household traffic and noise. Encouraging a nursing
dam to get plenty of rest is crucial in helping support her own immune system
to fight the infection off as quickly as possible.
7) Give Echinacea.
The herb Echinacea is an
immuno-stimulator and assists the body in fighting off infections. Many vets
recommend it to help treat bacterial and viral infections in dogs.
8) Good Nutrition.
In addition, parasites,
systemic illnesses and poor nutrition can lead to for all life stages or for
pregnant, lactating or nursing dams and allowed to free freed with food in
close proximity to the puppies so a dam doesn't feel stressed to leave puppies
to eat.
9) Proper Sanitation
Providing a clean puppy area
is essential make sure puppy pads are changed daily. Clean water and food is
provided, Bedding is always clean and dry. Wipe down a nursing dams belly daily
with a clean warm washcloth. Clip the nails of her puppies so they won't
scratch their mother's body or teats. Check a nursing dams nipples daily to
catch a clogged mammary gland as soon as possible.
Following a strict protocol using these remedies at
the first sign of an inflammation can be just as effective as taking
antibiotics. If mastitis still doesn't improve after attempting a natural
treatment plan, contact your veterinarian promptly before the infection gets
worse. If you notice the affected area getting worse always check the milk
color if it looks yellow or green then stop puppies from nursing immediately
and seek medical attention. It's normal as milk comes in for the first time to
get a small clogged milk duct for dogs but taking a being proactive and
catching it quickly is the key to preventing a bigger problem.
As with every medical problem,
the best cure for mastitis is prevention. Puppies must Nurse often to prevent
milk ducts from clogging. If the puppies are not nursing regularly enough, or
in situations of singleton (1 puppy) it's common for mastitis to occur. Don't
allow an ugly infection like mastitis to ruin the experience of breeding. With
the remedies listed, you can beat mastitis naturally and develop fond memories
of a breeding experience. Good Luck!
Recommended Veterinarian Treatment By
Tanisha
Breton
When you have a newly whelped dog everything can seem so blissful
and surreal but as with everything, there is also a less pleasant side to a
nursing dam. This includes latching difficulties, low milk production,
engorgement, and the much dreaded mastitis. Mastitis is a breeders breeders
worst nightmare. It is an infection of the breast tissue that involves
enlargement, swelling, lumpiness, and pain in the affected Mammary gland (teat)
. The pain has been described as excruciating for any women who has suffered
through it which I have 3 times the first pregnancy being my worse and most
severe and it's the same for dogs as well. It can be so extreme that the
affected breast becomes red, hardened, broken blood vessels, bruising and
eventually when the infection gets so severe and the milk has no where else to
go it cause the infection to burst through the skin causing a open gaping
wound. The combination of the stress of pregnancy, nursing, and sharp puppy
teeth create a potential playground for bacteria. In most situations, the
nursing dog’s immune system can fight off the bacteria, but if mama dog lacks
proper nutrition, is overly stressed, or contending with other factors, her
immune system can’t successfully clear the bacteria and an infection
develops.
Acute Septic Mastitis - Each female has a total of
ten teats and five pairs of mammary glands. Acute Septic canine mastitis occurs
when bacteria enters the dog's body through a wound or puncture on the teat
causing an infection and abscess to one or more of the mammary glands. Mastitis
is typically caused by three kinds of bacteria: e-coli, staphylococcus, or
streptococcus.
It is also possible that any milk passed by the
'Dam' may contain blood or appear thick and yellow in color. However, the milk
can also appear perfectly normal in color and texture.
Treatment for Acute Septic canine Mastitis will
involve a combination of treatments including antibiotics and warm compresses
being applied to the affected area (for up to half an hour at a time). The
infected glands will then need to be gently stripped so that the milk can be
expressed. Early treatment is very important as this can stop any abscesses
from forming. It is also important for owners to remember that if the mammary
glands are not suckled the female will stop producing milk after a period of
three days. Spotting the signs of a mastitis infection is crucial to providing
early treatment that will not only save your female a great deal of discomfort,
it could save her from a more serious blood infection.
Although it is usually limited to one or two teats,
mastitis is extremely painful and, if left untreated, the bacteria can spread
and the mama dog can become seriously ill. Mastitis causes the mammary gland to
become blocked, so milk cannot be released. The teat swells and becomes red and
painful to the touch. Sometimes, pus or discolored milk may be released. It
becomes increasingly difficult for mom to nurse her puppies because of the
pain, so the whole pack suffers.
At worst case scenario, untreated mastitis can
result in an agonizing abscess which may need to be surgically removed or
drained, and possibly require the puppies to stop nursing all together and
puppies hand fed. In addition to these direct symptoms on the breast, mastitis
is often accompanied by a fever, a vague or unfocused feeling of mental
uneasiness, lethargy, not wanting to eat, drink, tend to puppies or discomfort.
Sometimes the breasts engorge if the puppies misses a feeding, when the puppies
starts to sleep through the night, or when mom starts to wean the puppies.
Other causes might be failure of the milk ducts to drain completely. Once
mastitis has developed, a dam will suffer with very sore and tender breasts. A
red, inflamed spot develops and a red line can be seen that traces the clogged
milk duct. Flu-like symptoms, general aches, fever (101.1 F or higher),
headaches and chills accompany mastitis. If left untreated, a painful abscess
can develop. This occurs 5 percent of the time. The milk from the affected
breast might taste saltier than usual because there are higher levels of sodium
within the swollen, inflamed tissue. The puppies might even notice the
difference and protest during the feeding.
Symptoms to watch for include:
Sudden loss of
appetite
Fever and lethargy
Aggressive behavior (Caused by
pain)
Tenderness of one or more breasts
An abscess or infected-looking
scratch near the nipple
Redness, heat, swelling and hardness of the affected
breast(s)
Dark discoloration of the affected breast(s)
Discolored
milk
Foul-smelling pus discharge from the nipple
Some breeders misdiagnose plugged ducts for
mastitis, although many dams who have frequent bouts of plugged ducts often
develop at least one case of mastitis. While plugged ducts, which are more
prevalent than mastitis, can feel equally painful and require treatment, they
don't hurt as much as mastitis and are not caused by bacterial infections. Milk
ducts might become blocked for other reasons: an overabundance of milk, poor
latch (when the puppies mouth does not form a firm seal around the nipple in
cases of poor suckle reflexes), a shift in nursing patterns or compressed
breasts (from sleeping on the affected side).
Other differences that set plugged ducts apart from
mastitis are:
Plugged ducts come on gradually.
They might move around the
mammary gland.
They have little or no heat associated with them.
They
might cause localized pain or discomfort.
They usually are not accompanied
with flu-like symptoms.
Any fever that is present usually stays below 101
F.4
Plugged ducts can be easily treated by massaging or pressing directly on
the affected area, or by using warm compresses.
Puppies themselves will show signs of drinking
infected milk. Symptoms include:
Distressed behavior (Crying,
restlessness)
Dehydration
Weight loss
Eventual lethargy followed by
death
Green stool indicates an infection
Treatment For Mastitis
The conventional method of
treatment for mastitis is a course of antibiotics. While this treatment is
certainly effective in treating mastitis, taking drugs while a dam is nursing
puppies can cause diarrhea which can lead to dehydration since the medication
passes through the mother's milk which is helpful to treating the puppies if
any bacterial infection has passed through her milk but it also destroys the
good bacteria flora in the digestive tract live cultures of Bifidobacteria,
will help improve the intestinal flora by killing or inhibiting the growth of
bad bacteria in the digestive system.
It's essential probitics are given any
time antibiotics are prescribed. Here are some recommended products:
Bene Bac (contains 7 live, naturally-occurring
microorganisms to support digestive tract.)
http://www.revivalanimal.com/Benebac-Pet-Gel-and-Powder.html
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1231
or a probiotic yogurt with especially Bifidobacteria
cultures such as Kefir (which contains 10 live active cultures), Greek Gods (4
live active cultures, Stonyfield Brands which also include YoBaby contain 6
live active cultures, FAGE Total Greek Yogurt (4 live active cultures) ,
Activia (1 live culture of Bifidobacteria),
Veterinarian Treatment for Mastitis:
Your
veterinarian may recommend tests, which could include:
1) Needle aspiration
and examination of discharge
2)
Microscopic evaluation of the milk or any discharge
3) Bacterial culture and
sensitivity of the fluid, to identify bacteria type
4) A complete blood count (CBC) to evaluate blood-related
conditions
In situations where your veterinarian suspects the
mastitis has spread, they may recommend additional tests to evaluate the
overall health of your furry friend. These may include:
1) Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and
pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels
2) Electrolyte tests to ensure
your pet isn’t dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance
3)
Urine tests to screen for urinary tract infection and other disease, and to
evaluate the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine
So what can breeders do to treat mastitis
naturally?
Natural Remedies For Mastitis
1) Let the puppies Nurse
frequently.
Mastitis usually indicates that there is a plugged milk duct in
the mammary gland. There is no better way to break up that clog than to have
the puppies nurse frequently. Although nursing may be painful during an active
infection, it is still the best remedy for mastitis. Even with a conventional
treatment of antibiotics, vets typically recommend that patients continue
nursing often to expedite the process. Stopping puppies from nursing will cause
more harm than good just causing a bigger blockage. Allow puppies to nurse for
at least a recommended 6 weeks even weaning her puppies too early can cause
mastitis.
2) Massage the mammary gland and clogged duct.
As
the puppies are nursing, massage the affected mammary gland with your fingers.
This will help to loosen the plugged milk duct. Massage from the outer mammary
gland towards the nipple, in the area that is infected.In between nursing
sessions knead the base of the mammary gland and press on any areas that might
feel hard to the touch.
3) Cold Cabbage leaves.
As unusual as it may
seem, a raw cabbage leaf placed over the infection will work wonders in
soothing the inflamed mammary gland. A cool cabbage leaf acts as a cold
compress to reduce inflammation. This cabbage treatment not only relieves
breast tenderness, but also helps to unclog the milk duct to flush the
infection. Cabbage leaves really do relieve engorgement, possibly more
effectively than icepacks or other treatments. Regular green cabbage such as
you’ll find at the grocery contains sinigrin, magnesium, oxylate, mustard oil,
rapine and sulphur heterosides. This natural mixture of compounds reduces
tissue congestion by dilating the small blood vessels to improve blood flow to
the area.
To use, crush the green cabbage leaves with a
rolling pin to break the veins. Wt the leaf and place in the freezer for a
couple of minutes then
place the
cabbage leaves over the effected area. You can stop using the cabbage as soon
as the engorgement goes down.
4) Hydrate – It’s very important to make sure mom is
getting plenty of plenty of fluids to recover from mastitis. Mom should have a
adequate supply of fresh water throughout the day in close proximity to her and
the puppies to maintain a good milk supply and support proper body functioning
and healing.
5) A warm Bath.
Giving your dam a warm bath and
letting the water hit the affected mammary gland will help to loosen the
clogged milk duct, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
6) Get plenty of rest.
As with any infection, the
body is in overdrive working to get rid of mastitis. Make sure mom has a quiet
place, undisturbed by kids, household traffic and noise. Encouraging a nursing
dam to get plenty of rest is crucial in helping support her own immune system
to fight the infection off as quickly as possible.
7) Give Echinacea.
The herb Echinacea is an
immuno-stimulator and assists the body in fighting off infections. Many vets
recommend it to help treat bacterial and viral infections in dogs.
8) Good Nutrition.
In addition, parasites,
systemic illnesses and poor nutrition can lead to for all life stages or for
pregnant, lactating or nursing dams and allowed to free freed with food in
close proximity to the puppies so a dam doesn't feel stressed to leave puppies
to eat.
9) Proper Sanitation
Providing a clean puppy area
is essential make sure puppy pads are changed daily. Clean water and food is
provided, Bedding is always clean and dry. Wipe down a nursing dams belly daily
with a clean warm washcloth. Clip the nails of her puppies so they won't
scratch their mother's body or teats. Check a nursing dams nipples daily to
catch a clogged mammary gland as soon as possible.
Following a strict protocol using these remedies at
the first sign of an inflammation can be just as effective as taking
antibiotics. If mastitis still doesn't improve after attempting a natural
treatment plan, contact your veterinarian promptly before the infection gets
worse. If you notice the affected area getting worse always check the milk
color if it looks yellow or green then stop puppies from nursing immediately
and seek medical attention. It's normal as milk comes in for the first time to
get a small clogged milk duct for dogs but taking a being proactive and
catching it quickly is the key to preventing a bigger problem.
As with every medical problem,
the best cure for mastitis is prevention. Puppies must Nurse often to prevent
milk ducts from clogging. If the puppies are not nursing regularly enough, or
in situations of singleton (1 puppy) it's common for mastitis to occur. Don't
allow an ugly infection like mastitis to ruin the experience of breeding. With
the remedies listed, you can beat mastitis naturally and develop fond memories
of a breeding experience. Good Luck!