What is Mastitis in Dogs?
Mastitis is defined as inflammation of the mammary glands or breast tissue in female dogs (VCAHospitals, 2022). It is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection, usually occurring during lactation or nursing. However, mastitis can also be caused by trauma, cancer, and fungal or parasitic infections (PetMD, 2022).
The main symptoms of mastitis in dogs include (WebMD, 2021):
- Swelling, redness, heat, and pain in the mammary glands
- Discharge from nipples – can be milky, bloody, or purulent
- Fever
- Lethargy and loss of appetite
- Nipple ulceration
Mastitis often only affects one mammary gland, but multiple glands can be impacted. Left untreated, it can lead to abscess formation and other serious complications.
Risk Factors for Mastitis in Dogs
There are several risk factors that can increase a dog’s chance of developing mastitis including:
Age – Older dogs and younger dogs still growing are more prone to mastitis. The mammary glands go through changes during growth and aging that can leave them susceptible (Lection, 2021).
Nursing – Mastitis most commonly occurs in lactating dogs due to milk stasis, damage to mammary tissue from nursing, and spread of bacteria from the skin or puppies’ mouths (Lection, 2021).
Injuries – Trauma to the mammary glands from scratches, cuts, punctures or bruising can introduce bacteria and lead to infection (VCA Animal Hospitals).
Diagnosing Mastitis
A veterinarian will start by performing a thorough physical exam on the dog. They will carefully examine the dog’s mammary glands looking for swelling, heat, pain, and discharge. The vet will palpate the glands feeling for masses or abnormalities. Often times the affected glands will feel firm and will be reddened.
In addition to a physical exam, a mammary ultrasound may be recommended. This imaging allows the vet to look inside the mammary glands for signs of infection and abscesses. Ultrasound can help identify the extent of the infection and determine if it has spread to multiple glands.
Bloodwork such as a complete blood count may be run. This can assess the dog’s white blood cell count which may be elevated if infection is present. Bloodwork helps determine the severity of the illness.
Cultures may be taken by swabbing the discharge coming from the mammary gland. This allows identification of the type of bacteria causing the infection. Knowing the causative bacteria helps guide antibiotic selection (VCA).
Treatment Options
Treatment for mastitis in dogs typically involves a combination of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and supportive care such as warm compresses. The specific treatment depends on the severity of the infection.
Antibiotics are crucial for treating the bacterial infection causing the mastitis. Broad-spectrum antibiotics that cover common bacteria like Staphylococcus and Streptococcus are usually prescribed, such as amoxicillin or cephalexin. Antibiotics may be given orally or by injection for 7-10 days. Successful treatment often requires several weeks of antibiotics.
Anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs help manage pain and swelling. Common options include carprofen, deracoxib, or meloxicam. These medications reduce inflammation while the infection clears with antibiotics.
In severe or chronic cases, surgery may be necessary to fully remove infected mammary tissue. This helps prevent the infection from spreading. Surgery also quickly relieves pain and discomfort associated with the inflamed mammary glands.
Other supportive care like warm compresses, gentle massage, and changing nursing habits can provide comfort during treatment. However, antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are essential to cure mastitis in dogs.
Warm Compresses
Warm compresses applied to the mammary glands can help treat mastitis in dogs. A warm compress helps to increase blood flow, reduce swelling, and encourage the drainage of any built-up milk or infection.
To make a warm compress for your dog, you can use a clean towel or cloth soaked in warm water. The water should be warm, but not hot enough to burn the skin. Wring out any excess water before gently placing the compress over the inflamed mammary gland. You can also try using warmed cabbage leaves. Leave the warm compress in place for 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times per day.
Applying warm compresses provides several benefits for dogs with mastitis:
- Helps reduce pain and discomfort
- Promotes drainage of milk and pus
- Increases blood flow to the area
- Soothes inflammation and swelling
- Relaxes tight muscles and promotes healing
Be sure to check the temperature before applying to avoid burns. It may be helpful to massage the area gently while the warm compress is in place. Talk to your veterinarian about incorporating warm compresses into your dog’s mastitis treatment plan.
Other Home Remedies
In addition to warm compresses, there are some other home remedies that may help relieve mastitis symptoms in dogs:
Cabbage Leaves – Applying chilled green cabbage leaves to the affected mammary glands can help reduce swelling and pain. The leaves contain compounds that are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects. Replace the leaves every 2 hours during the first day of treatment. Cabbage leaves should be washed and chilled before use. Do not freeze them. According to one source, using cabbage leaves is an effective home remedy for mastitis in dogs.
Garlic – Garlic contains compounds such as allicin that have natural antibiotic properties. Giving dogs garlic supplements or mixing crushed garlic into their food may help fight the infection and reduce inflammation. However, the effectiveness and safety of using garlic this way has not been extensively studied. Garlic should be introduced slowly and cautiously as it can cause side effects in some dogs.
Epsom Salt Soaks – An Epsom salt soak can be used to draw out infection from the mammary glands and reduce swelling. Mix together 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salts per pint of warm water. Soak a towel in the solution, wring it out, and apply it to the affected glands for 15 minutes 2-3 times per day. Rinse the area afterwards. Epsom salt soaks may provide soothing relief, according to veterinarians.
Lifestyle Changes
Making adjustments to a dog’s routine and environment can help manage and treat mastitis. Some recommended lifestyle changes include:
Nursing Management: It’s important to keep the mammary glands drained during mastitis. The puppies should continue nursing, as this will help stimulate blood flow and drain the glands. The mother dog may need manual milking as well, up to every 2-4 hours. Puppies’ nursing should be monitored to ensure they are latching on properly.
Diet Changes: The mother dog’s diet should include high-quality proteins, vitamins, and minerals to support healing and milk production. Foods high in vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are recommended. Staying well-hydrated is also important. Eliminating milk-stimulating foods like brewer’s yeast may help reduce milk supply if needed.
Rest and Reduced Stress: Providing a quiet, comfortable place for the mother dog to nurse and rest is beneficial. Reducing stress helps support the immune system. Activities like vigorous exercise and dog parks should be avoided during recovery.
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mastitis-in-dogs
Prevention
There are several steps owners can take to help prevent mastitis in their dogs:
Good nursing hygiene is essential. The mammary glands should be kept clean and dry. Owners should wash their hands before handling puppies or the mother’s breasts. Any discharge or crust on the nipples should be gently cleaned off with warm water.
Trauma to the breast tissue should be limited as much as possible. Puppies’ nails should be trimmed to avoid scratching the mother. The mother dog should be prevented from laying on her stomach as this can put pressure on the mammary glands.
Regular veterinary exams are important, especially in mother dogs who have had mastitis previously. The veterinarian can examine the mammary glands for signs of infection and provide preventative care.
Proper nutrition, sanitation, and rest are also beneficial in mastitis prevention. Reducing stress on the mother dog can help boost the immune system to fight off infection.
Prognosis
With prompt veterinary treatment, the prognosis for mastitis in dogs is generally good. Most cases of mastitis will resolve within 2-3 weeks with appropriate antibiotic therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and warm compresses applied to the affected mammary glands.
VCA Animal Hospitals states that most cases of mastitis can be treated on an outpatient basis with oral antibiotics and pain medications, allowing for recovery at home without extensive hospitalization. However, prompt treatment is important, as mastitis can quickly worsen if left untreated.
Without veterinary treatment, mastitis may progress to cause abscess formation or tissue necrosis in the mammary glands. Gangrene mastitis is a severe complication that can develop rapidly, leading to sepsis and even death if aggressive treatment is not pursued. Thus, it is critical to have mastitis evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as clinical signs are noticed.
With appropriate treatment guided by veterinary advice, the prognosis is good and most dogs can make a full recovery from mastitis. However, neglecting treatment can allow the condition to worsen and threaten the dog’s health.
When to See a Veterinarian
If your dog has a severe case of mastitis or does not improve with home care, you should take her to the veterinarian right away. Signs that warrant an immediate vet visit include:
- Severe swelling, heat, pain or redness of the mammary glands
- Skin ulceration or oozing from the mammary glands
- Loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting or other systemic signs of illness
- Persistent fever over 103°F
- Enlarged lymph nodes near the affected mammary glands
Your vet will perform a full examination to diagnose the cause and severity of the mastitis. They may collect milk samples for bacterial culture to identify the type of infection. Treatment will likely include antibiotic therapy, anti-inflammatories for pain and swelling, and warm compresses applied at home.
Prompt veterinary care is crucial for severe mastitis cases. Left untreated, the infection can spread systemically and rapidly become life-threatening. Your vet will monitor your dog closely and adjust medications as needed until the mastitis is fully resolved.
