TL;DR: Mastitis is a painful mammary infection in nursing dogs that typically requires veterinary care within 12 to 24 hours, though it becomes a high-priority emergency if your dog develops a high fever or the nipples turn black or purple.
What is mastitis in nursing dogs and how do I recognize it?
If your nursing dog has nipples that are hot to the touch, red, or swollen, she is likely experiencing mastitis. Mastitis is an infection or inflammation of the mammary glands caused by bacteria entering the teat or by milk backup (galactostasis). It is a painful condition that can make the mother reluctant to feed her puppies and, if left untreated, can lead to serious systemic illness.
How urgent is a mastitis diagnosis for my dog?
- This situation is classified as Medium Urgency, requiring a veterinary appointment within 12 to 24 hours.
- Urgency increases to High if your dog develops a high fever or stops eating.
- Immediate emergency care is required if the nipple appears black or purple, as the infection may have become gangrenous or systemic.
How does providing a photo of my dog's symptoms help with triage?
- A clear, well-lit photo allows a professional to check for signs of abscesses, skin necrosis, or significant swelling.
- Visual assessments capture clinical signs that might not be fully explained by description alone.
- Photos help the clinic determine how quickly your dog needs to be squeezed into the schedule for treatment.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In acute mastitis, affected mammary glands are often hot and painful; if progressing to septic mastitis, systemic signs such as fever, depression, anorexia, and lethargy may be seen. Microscopic examination of milk may reveal inflammatory cells, and milk from each gland should be evaluated in any postpartum bitch with signs of systemic illness. Culture of milk or fluid expressed from the affected glands may yield moderate to heavy growth of *Escherichia coli* or staphylococci. Hot-packing the affected gland encourages drainage and may relieve discomfort.
Chapter: Infectious Diseases, Reproduction
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 1396)