Mastitis in cats: signs, how to treat, prevention

Find out now about the types, causes, symptoms and ways to treat mastitis in cats on your own and with the help of medications. Prevention.

Mastitis in a cat is a pathological inflammatory process in one or more mammary glands. Pathology can develop under the influence of various factors: traumatic, thermal, chemical, climatic. The disease most often occurs in lactating cats. Less commonly, the cause of mastitis can be a false pregnancy in a cat.

What are the causes of this pathology, how to find out that a cat has mastitis, whether it can be prevented and how to cure it - you will find answers to all these questions in our article.

Classification of mastitis

Based on the nature of the inflammatory process, mastitis is divided into several types, each of which has its own clinical picture.

Serous

It is characterized by active hyperthermia of one or more mammary glands, the release of serous exudate (opaque liquid) from the nipples. Most often it occurs in the first days after birth due to injuries to the nipples, hypothermia of the cat, and stagnation of milk in the mammary glands. Pathology can also develop under the influence of streptococci and staphylococci, which the animal can become infected with.

Catarrhal

Inflammation usually develops in the milk ducts and alveoli, as a complication that spreads from the skin of the nipples. Only the glandular tissue of the mammary gland is affected. The clinic resembles the serous form of the pathology. The main cause of catarrhal mastitis is considered to be unsanitary conditions.

Purulent

This type of pathology leads to a decrease or complete disappearance of lactation. Characterized by purulent discharge from the nipples. The cat's mammary glands are very hyperemic, the skin around the nipples is red. The abscess area is painful. The animal experiences intoxication and seeks to stop contact with humans and offspring. After this pathology, cats may completely lose the ability to feed kittens.

Fibrinous

Occurs after abortion, delayed placenta, diseases of the uterus and purulent processes in the cat’s genitals. Most often it is a complication of serous and catarrhal mastitis. This type of pathology occurs quickly and severely. The animal's temperature rises to 41°C. The cat is severely intoxicated.

Hemorrhagic

A dangerous form of pathology. Most often it occurs in the first days after childbirth, as a complication of serous and catarrhal mastitis. The cat's mammary gland tissue becomes covered with numerous hemorrhages. The animal's temperature rises to 41°C. The cat is depressed, the glands are very painful. Bleeding is possible. After treatment, the mammary glands may lose their functions.

Gangrenous

Occurs in the absence of treatment for other forms of mastitis. Most often, cats that are in poor sanitary conditions get sick. It is characterized by necrosis (death) of the affected breast tissue. The cat's temperature rises sharply (above 41°C) or also drops sharply. The animal is immobilized. Possible death.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Stress can lead to compulsive behavior, including excessive licking. With its help, the cat stimulates the release of calming chemical compounds in the brain. When an animal becomes dependent on behavior, it can injure itself.

Thus, constant intensive washing in the abdominal area will cause the lower nipples of cats to enlarge and turn red. At the same time, hair falls out in the affected area.

OCD does not affect the size of the mammary glands. The diagnosis is made after a comprehensive examination, during which the veterinarian checks the animal for the presence of:

neoplasms and other potential causes of changes.

Having determined that the condition is caused by a nervous reaction, the doctor will advise providing the pet with the most stable lifestyle possible. If stress is triggered by the appearance of a new animal, the owner should pay more attention to the cat, especially during attacks.

Injuries

A cat may hit or injure its stomach when jumping, playing or fighting with another pet. If the impact was on the nipple or surrounding area, there is a possibility of redness and swelling. Blood and ichor may be released.

If the condition does not bother your pet, you should wait a couple of days - during this time the injuries often heal on their own. If changes persist for more than a week or the cat shows signs of discomfort (meowing, restless behavior, increased attention to the affected area), it is necessary to show it to the veterinarian.

Infections

Pathogens enter the mammary glands through wounds, through the circulatory and lymphatic systems. If in a normal state the owner may doubt whether cats have nipples, then during infection they clearly appear on the stomach. The disease is accompanied by:

release of liquid or thick mass;

swelling of the gland and adjacent tissues.

The affected area feels hotter to the touch compared to the rest of the body. The veterinarian prescribes a course of antibiotics or antiviral drugs, depending on the pathogen, age, weight and general condition of the pet. The owner, for his part, must provide the cat with peace.

If the disease is contagious, it is isolated from other animals - separate dishes and a tray are allocated, and common objects are disinfected.

Hormonal imbalance

Enlargement of the mammary glands and nipples in males occurs when treated with progesterone. The hormonal drug is used, in particular, for behavior correction. The appearance of your pet's belly may change soon after treatment begins.

Normally, after taking the product, the nipples return to their original state. But sometimes taking hormones leads to hypertrophy of the glands.

The problem may occur 2-6 weeks after administration of the drug. The condition is often accompanied by swelling of the hind legs. Your veterinarian may recommend removal of the affected glands. Surgery is also used for glandular hyperplasia.

In males, this condition is one of the potential side effects of progesterone treatment. Surgery is resorted to when ulcers form on the affected area.

In the absence of such radical symptoms, stop giving hormones and monitor the pet. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs.

Hormonal surges are a potential result of disruption of internal organs. In females, breast enlargement is observed during estrus. The period of attraction in males has less influence on the appearance of the nipples.

But the mammary glands of males can also react to dissatisfaction of sexual needs. Veterinarians recommend sterilizing (castrating) animals if the owner does not plan to breed.

Neoplasms

Adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that affects the glands. It often affects adult, unsterilized females, but can also occur in males. The tumor can be felt as a dense, nodular formation around one or more mammary glands. The development of oncology is accompanied by:

redness and discharge from the nipple.

Cancer is diagnosed by examination, blood tests and biopsy. The animal is prescribed chemotherapy and, in most cases, removal of the mammary glands and associated lymph nodes.

In the early stages, the veterinarian may limit himself to intervention in the area of the neoplasm. But usually one or both rows of glands are removed. This happens because tumors can appear on different sides of the abdomen.

There is also a risk of cancer cells spreading through the blood and lymphatic vessels.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia. The duration depends on the size of the tumors and how many nipples the cat has. Most individuals have 8 of them, but there are other options - 6 or 4 pieces.

The animal may develop skin cancer of the nipples. The tissue degenerates, which is characterized by redness or crusting. Discharge may also be observed: clear, whitish or bloody. Treatment is based on chemotherapy and, if necessary, removal of the affected areas.

Causes

The causes of mastitis in cats vary:

Stagnation of milk due to increased productivity of the mammary glands or early weaning of kittens from their mother.
General hypothermia of the animal or hypothermia of the mammary glands of a lactating cat.
Injuries and bruises of the mammary glands or their nipples: cracks, scratches or bites. Traumatic lesions are a gateway for bacteria, viruses and fungi.
Diseases of the genital organs during pregnancy or after childbirth.
Abortion or cesarean section, after which the cat cannot feed the offspring for a long time.
False pregnancy and other hormonal imbalances.
Immunodeficiency.
Failure of kittens to use all nipples. This happens if the cat has few kittens or some of the nipples have pathologies (tumors, injuries).
Postpartum complications and complications after sterilization surgery.

Disease prevention

Preventive measures help prevent the development of mastopathy. Pregnant and lactating females should be given less foods containing carbohydrates. A balanced diet must be agreed upon in advance with your veterinarian. Before mating, both the cat and the cat must be treated for fleas and intestinal parasites. Kittens sucking milk must be shifted from one nipple to another - this will ensure an even release of milk.

A lactating, nulliparous or sterilized female needs to change the bedding on time, wash water bowls and dishes. This will help to comply with sanitary and hygienic standards. To avoid stagnation, a nursing cat is given a massage daily.

Symptoms

The first symptoms of the disease are difficult to notice, so you need to be an attentive and caring owner - constantly monitor the behavior of your pet.

The appearance of swelling, compaction and redness in the breast area.
The gland is hot to the touch and touching it causes pain and discomfort in the cat.
In the presence of a bacterial infection, discharge of a different nature appears from the mammary gland (purulent, cheesy, cloudy), sometimes an impurity in the form of blood may appear.
Increased body temperature and lethargic state of the animal.

How to determine what form of mastitis a cat has

Serous:

one or more lobes of the mammary gland are swollen;
milk lobes are hot to the touch;
dense gland;
the cat does not feel anxious, has a mild pain syndrome, the animal allows itself to be examined, does not meow;
body hyperthermia may be absent;
discharge from the nipples is initially yellowish and transparent, then resembles diluted milk with flake-like impurities.

Catarrhal:

the structure of glandular tissue changes;
milk turns into flakes that clog the ducts in the nipples;
milk stagnates and curdles, because of this nodules appear around the nipples, they can be felt upon palpation;
There may be no body hyperthermia;
after feeding or pumping, the nodules resolve;
the cat does not worry and does not experience pain.

Purulent:

visible decrease in the volume of milk produced;
discharge from the nipples is cloudy and purulent, has an unpleasant odor;
the affected lobes of the mammary gland are very swollen and reddened;
the cat has a fever;
the animal is oppressed;
due to severe pain, the cat refuses to feed the kittens, meows loudly and does not allow itself to be examined;
in a chronic course (more than 21 days), the gland is completely filled with connective tissue, and the cat loses the ability to lactation.

Fibrinous:

the lobes of the mammary gland appear enlarged, dense to the touch, painful;
on palpation you can hear a crunch;
lymph nodes located in close proximity to the diseased lobes are enlarged;
The cat has a fever.

Hemorrhagic:

the skin, glands and ducts become covered with hemorrhages;
the gland is swollen and painful;
the cat is depressed and has a fever;
local hyperthermia (milk lobes are hot).

Gangrenous:

change in color of the mammary glands to brown or blue;
ulcers and bleeding appear in diseased areas;
the cat is unconscious;
the animal has a strong increase in body temperature.

Asymptomatic mastitis

Sometimes the disease occurs without visible symptoms. You can tell that a cat is developing mastitis by the following signs:

kittens are malnourished and gain little weight;
the cat is anxious during feeding and licks its mammary glands during breaks;
kittens are worried and may have an upset stomach due to changes in milk quality.

Treatment of mastitis in cats

What is the danger of mastitis

Mastitis is a rapidly progressing pathology, so if the temperature rises and discharge appears, you should immediately show your cat to a veterinarian.

Firstly, the disease can quickly lead to death, especially if treated untimely and incorrectly.

Secondly, if you continue to feed kittens with toxic milk, the offspring will die.

Thirdly, if treatment is not provided in a timely manner or is incorrect, the mammary gland can degenerate into benign or malignant neoplasms.

How to help a cat at home yourself

As soon as you notice signs of mastitis, the kittens should be isolated from their mother, and the cat should be taken to a veterinarian. The doctor will diagnose the type of mastitis and prescribe treatment.

These activities can be performed at home independently in case of serous and catarrhal forms of pathology in order to alleviate the cat’s condition:

Gently stroke the belly if the cat does not experience pain. During a light massage, the diseased areas of the gland are covered with a dome-shaped palm.
Express milk until the firm breast lumps become soft.
Diseased lobes are sealed so that kittens cannot suck from them. Milk from the affected areas is expressed by a person.
Limited drinking regime. To prevent milk from flowing too much, water is removed from free access. The cat is given something to drink only immediately after feeding.
Warm lotions made from herbal infusions.
Gently rubbing the diseased lobes of the mammary gland with camphor or ichthyol oil. After rubbing, the affected area is covered with thin cellophane and bandaged.

How to make a herbal decoction for lotions

To prepare a herbal decoction, mix chamomile flowers, crushed oak bark and sage leaves in equal proportions. Take 1 tbsp. spoon of the resulting mixture and pour 200 ml of it. hot boiled water. Infuse the resulting mixture in a thermos for half an hour. Then the mixture is filtered and cooled to a temperature of 37-38°C.

Gauze napkins are moistened in the resulting decoction and applied to the diseased areas of the gland. Thin cellophane is placed on top of the gauze and bandaged carefully. The procedure can be repeated up to 3-5 times a day.

How to express milk from a cat yourself

To express milk from a cat yourself, you don’t need to remember how it’s done with cows. This method of pumping is absolutely unacceptable and can lead to injury.

To express milk from diseased lobes of the gland, you need to make a cat breast pump. To do this, you will need to purchase a disposable syringe with a rubber piston (5 ml). The upper part of the syringe (where the nose for the needle) is cut off. The edge of the cut is carefully burned over a source of open fire (lighter, candle).

As it melts, the edge must be smoothed with your hands to create an even and smooth circle. After this, the piston returns to its place. An improvised breast pump is pressed tightly against the skin around the cat's sore nipple and a vacuum is created by gently pulling out the piston. If your cat's ducts are not blocked, milk will be expressed gradually.

Important!
For all forms of mastitis, except serous and catarrhal, self-medication is unacceptable.

Professional help

Treatment regimen for serous and catarrhal mastitis:

Injections of calcium gluconate (10%) intramuscularly or intravenously. Before injection, the medicine is heated to the animal’s body temperature. The injection is given once or repeated after 1-2 days. Dosage – 1-3 ml. depending on the cat's weight.
Catozal (10%) or gamavit in the form of injections intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Dosage of catozal – 0.5-2.5 ml. 1 time per day, 3-5 days; Gamavit dosage – 0.3-0.5 ml/kg once a day for 7 days.
Mastomethrin in the form of injections (intramuscular or subcutaneous). Dosage – 0.5-2 ml. 2 times a day until the cat is completely cured or in two-week courses.
Novocaine blockade. It is carried out once. An injection of novocaine (0.5-1%) in a volume of 1 ml/kg is given in the area between the diseased mammary lobe and the abdominal cavity.

Treatment regimen for other forms of mastitis:

Gamavit injections (intramuscular or subcutaneous) in dosage: 0.3-0.5 ml/kg. 1 time per day for 5-7 days.
Instead of injections of the drug Gamavit, injections of catozal (10%) can be prescribed in a dosage of 0.5-2.5 ml. 1 time per day for 3-5 days.
Traumatin injections (subcutaneous or intramuscular) in dosage: 0.1 ml/kg. Within 1-3 days.
Novocaine blockade. Do it three times with an interval of 2 days. An injection of 0.5-1% novocaine is given into the area between the abdominal cavity and the pathological mammary lobe of the cat.
Antibiotic therapy. Cephalosporin drugs are prescribed. Cefazolin injections are carried out intramuscularly at a dosage of 20-25 mg/kg. Three times a day for 5 days.
If mastitis has turned into an abscess, surgical treatment is performed: abscesses are opened, pus is pumped out, and the affected parts of the mammary gland are removed. In particularly severe cases, a mastectomy (removal of the entire gland) is performed.

Preparations for feline mastitis

Veterinarians use the following drugs to treat mastitis:

Calcium gluconate. Injectable drug with the active substance trace elements calcium. Used in complex therapy of inflammatory processes. Price: 105 rub./30 UAH.
Gamavit. A drug of combined action with immunomodulatory properties. Price: 650 rub./450 UAH.
Catozal. A complex action drug for stimulating metabolic processes in the animal’s body. Increases the body's resistance to adverse factors. Price: 670 rub./240 UAH.
Mastomethrin. Homeopathic medicine for acute and chronic pathologies of the reproductive system of cats. Relieves inflammation and prevents the spread of infection. Price: 850 rub./445 UAH.
Traumatin. Homeopathic medicine with complex action. Treats inflammation and promotes restoration of damaged tissue. Price: 330 rub./152 UAH.
Novocaine. Medicine for anesthesia. Relieves pain syndrome. Price: 45 rub./25 UAH.
Cefazolin. Antibiotic with broad bactericidal and antimicrobial action. Price: 120 rub./20 UAH.