Severe Case of Bilateral Gangrenous Mastitis in a Doe - A Case Report On Clinical Management

This case report describes the clinical management of a severe gangrenous mastitis in a 35 kg adult doe. The doe was presented to the Universiti Putra Malaysia Veterinary hospital with a complaint of lack of milk production four days after kidding. Clinical examination revealed anorexia, increased body temperature, pulse rate and response to pain upon palpation of the udder. There was exudation of blood-tinged foul smelling exudates when the mammary gland was expressed. Clinical laboratory findings revealed the presence of anemia, neutrophilia with a left shift and monocytosis. Serum biochemistry showed hypophosphatemia, hypocalcaemia, hypocreatinemia, hyperuricemia and hyperproteinemia. The doe was administered with Benacillin (1 ml/25 kg) intramuscularly 3/7, flunixin meglumine (2.2 mg/kg) intravenously 7/7, 23% calcium borogluconate (15 ml) subcutaneously and oxytetracycline (20 mg/kg) once intramuscularly. Medical management of this case was not successful and bilateral mastectomy was opted and performed. the doe recovered as was discharged. To prevent mastectomy due to gangrenous mastitis, early intervention is critical and paramount.