Mastitis in cats is an inflammatory process occurring in the mammary glands of animals during lactation. In rare cases, mastitis is observed in false pregnancy of a cat.
Specialists classify the disease in two varieties:
- septic, or purulent mastitis;
- non-septic, i.e. stagnant mastitis.
The cause of the first type of ailment is bacterial infections that have chosen as entry gates to the cat’s body cracks on the teats, bites by kittens and scratches. The likelihood of developing a septic form of the disease increases when zoohygienic rules are neglected.
The development of congestive mastitis is caused by stagnation of milk in the ducts of the gland. This happens when the cat has excess breast milk or when the kittens she has nursed are weaned prematurely.
The disease can also occur due to such reasons:
- bruises;
- Immunodeficiency;
- hypothermia;
- low body weight;
- Infectious infection;
- Infectious disease in the sexual sphere, etc.
Symptoms of mastitis in cats
You can determine the presence of mastitis in a cat by her behavior. As soon as she begins to lick frequently, she should be carefully examined, because this is how she signals about the problems in her health. The main sign of mastitis is noticeable immediately - it is an enlarged mammary gland.
Any attempt to palpate the affected area the animal suppresses, because touching it causes him pain. The gland itself becomes swollen and the local temperature rises.
Pressing on the nipple can easily achieve a discharge of fluid, the nature of which is used to diagnose the form of mastitis. If from the gland will not be milk, but a watery fluid with white inclusions in the form of flakes, then the disease is in the serous form. Fluid reminiscent of sour milk is identified with the catarrhal form of the pathology. If there are drops of blood and pus in the secretions, the animal must be seen at the vet immediately.
The main symptoms of mastitis include:
- apathy;
- weakness;
- changes in behavior;
- a slight increase in temperature;
- appearance of signs of intoxication.
Treatment of mastitis in cats
In order to prevent complications, it is better to treat the disease in its early stages. Eliminate the manifestations of the primary signs is often possible with conservative measures alone. Of medications, antibiotics and drugs of the penicillin, quinolones and cephalosporins groups are prescribed. The course is supplemented with antipyretics. The veterinarian may also prescribe medications that inhibit milk production.
Identification of mastitis in a nursing cat requires weaning of kittens from her and their transfer to artificial feeding. To protect the mammary glands from mechanical stress on the cat wearing a special blanket. If the condition is neglected, the doctor insists on surgical treatment, during which the affected cavities are opened, drained and sanitized.
The prevention of mastitis is the treatment of the nipples with a weak solution of manganese, regular checks of the body of the animal, timely vaccination and providing the lactating cat with proper conditions.