This is an archived Horseadvice.com Discussion. The parent article and menus are available on the navigation menu below:
HorseAdvice.com » Diseases of Horses » Reproductive Diseases » Problems During Pregnancy » Mastitis »
  Discussion on New Article on Mastitis in Mares
Author Message
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Feb 9, 2007 - 4:49 pm:

Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland(s). While a common problem in many livestock species it is rare in the horse. The probable reason is the much smaller and better guarded udder, less pendulous teats (mamma), and smaller teat canals and openings (ostea). This makes trauma, a frequent predisposing cause, less common and ascending infection less common. Interestingly neither age, pregnancy, or past parturient status greatly effects the incidence. This article discusses normal mammary anatomy, normal and abnormal mammary secretions, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of mastitis in mares and you can access it off the navigation bar above.
Member:
jd1947

Posted on Tuesday, Feb 27, 2007 - 8:25 pm:

Dr.O,
There is no information within the article on what causes mastitis...can you please address causes as I would like to figure out why/how my mare developed it.
Thank you very much.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 28, 2007 - 6:06 am:

It is in the introduction paragraph joanie: trauma and bacteria ascending the teat canal.
DrO
Member:
jd1947

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 28, 2007 - 10:57 am:

Thanks, Dr.O...I did read that but thought you could be more specific. I can't imagine any trauma Toy Moon could have gotten to her udder, except that she does scratch her back end a lot...her nick name is 'itchy'...no reason for her to do that because I keep the mares butt end & udders clean all the time...it's a 'thing' with me to have clean butt ends & udders and the mares always enjoy it when I scrape off any crud they have between their teats...as for the infection, that too would surprise me because the corral ect is always clean, but guess keeping manuer picked up and pee places clean doesn't guarantee that bacteria is not present....I suppose that is what happened.
Thank you
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 28, 2007 - 3:04 pm:

One thing I can guarantee Joanie is bacteria are always present.
DrO
Member:
jd1947

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 28, 2007 - 8:31 pm:

Ain't that the truth, Dr.O...
Maybe this is a good sign, I truly think Toy's bag has gotten smaller and although still has milk, she is not dripping, streaming or waxing!!
I am starting her on another 10 days sulfa pills, and will do another 10 days the first of April (if she makes it that far).
She's due for all of her 30 days before foaling vaccinations mid March and wonder if I shouldn't give them a week ahead of scheduel, just in case she hangs in there but does deliver early?

Thanks
Member:
mrose

Posted on Wednesday, Feb 28, 2007 - 11:50 pm:

Joanie, it sounds like Toy is doing o.k. I'm so glad. She's sure put you "through the mill." Tell her she's got a lot of people looking forward to seeing foal pictures and she's better not disappoint us!
Member:
jd1947

Posted on Thursday, Mar 1, 2007 - 12:22 pm:

Hi Sara,
I have to take back the part about Toy not dripping milk anymore...she was this morning!! But everything else looks OK and she's on another 10 days sulfa.
I noticed a lot of folks in the same mess as me are also giving Banamine everyday...I think using Banamine daily over a long period of time is not a good idea...maybe Dr.O can shed some light on that?

Hope everyone else's problem mares are also hanging in there...
Have a great weekend!!
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Friday, Mar 2, 2007 - 8:12 am:

Joanie, though your mare appeared to bag a bit early if has never been clear your mare has any serious problem.
DrO
Member:
notch

Posted on Monday, Mar 10, 2008 - 7:41 pm:

I have a friends who's mare started to bag up and she is about 4-5wks from delivery. The bag seemed normal and then one side got quite a bit larger than the other. Everything else seems normal as with no discharge or heat. Can this be normal?
Member:
mrose

Posted on Monday, Mar 10, 2008 - 10:38 pm:

In my experience the bag can change shape, go up and down, and one side get bigger than the other until closer to her due date; then the bag will probably even out and start forming "beads" at the end of the teats. I'd keep an eye on her certainly, but if there is no heat or other signs of infection I wouldn't worry too much. Has your friend had any experience with foaling? If not, there are some excellent books, and there are also some excellent articles on this site on what to expect, what is normal, problems that can arise, etc. I'd read them and pass the info on to your friend. Better yet, I'd talk your friend into joining the site!
Member:
notch

Posted on Tuesday, Mar 11, 2008 - 6:52 am:

Thanks for the info. I have tried to get everyone I know who has horses to join this site as I can not believe how much info it carries.
I told her I thought her mare would be fine but I would keep watch. I have a mare that gets the early stages of mastitus while pregnant almost every time. So I know what to watch for.
Thanks again.
Home Page | Top of Page | Join Us!
Horseadvice.com is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Horse Training in Stokesdale NC