Mastitis - Update

Moll has had a lump behind her nipple occasionally which swelled but went down in a day or two. I took her to one vet who said it looks fine (lump had gone down alot) and have also had telephone calls about it, but recently I took her to the vets again and saw a different vet who thinks what she has is Mastitis. She is neutered but the vet said thats what she thinks it is and its like a background bacteria which is causing infections/going down in cycles, much prefer this vet.

The problem is it won't go away. She had a one week course of antibiotics, the nipples all seemed to tighten and no bumps, but within days of her finishing the course a bump came back. We are now in the middle of a two week course of antibiotics.

Has anyone else had dealings with mastitis? Or anyone have any ideas on what else this may be.

The vet is definitely our second home.

Thank you for any replies

Further to the above Moll has now been referred to the Liverpool veterinary hospital as the nipple lumps keep coming back as soon as she finishes a course of antibiotics. They might be doing a ct scan? Just want my Mollster better Anyhow my vet is making the referral on monday.

In herself she seems happy enough but the most recent bump caused her a bit of discomfort I think. Another course of antibiotics started and metacam for inflammation.

I'm sorry its nothing I have experienced, I haven't heard of it if I am totally honest. I hope the treatments works and you find an answer Xx

So do I We just got on top of the demodex and now Mastitis.... I love my girl to bits just want her healthy and free from skin problems!!

Aww poor molly, I've no personal experience with it, hopefully someone will be along shortly who can help I hope molly gets better soon

Someone once told me that persistant mastitis can be helped by regular massaging around the nipples. They said that they thought it kept the ducts open and so they don't get blocked & infected.

Whether it works or not I've no idea, but it can't hurt to try - and I bet she'll love all the extra attention!

Thank you

Caryll I must admit I never imagined I would be massaging a dogs nipples hehe but I will try anything!

Poor Molly, I hope it can be sorted and she gets better soon xx

You poor girl Molly, hope you get it sorted soon x

Thank you for all your replies. Moll now been referred to the Liverpool university animal hospital, might need a ct scan and other tests. I really don't want her on antibiotics for life

oh no thats sad to read..

Shes okay in herself its just this darn infection that seemingly won't go away!

I think it must be something to do with her heritage - backyard breeder. We got Moll and a rescue took the rest. It was a horrible place and such an ignorant owner who bred to make a bit of money, his accommodation comprised of 2 rooms and he decided to breed a litter of pups. No garden either. I'm guessing they interbreed in the area etc and this has led to skin probs in my beautiful girl.

I wouldn't change her for the world I love her to bits, just want her not to have to have the vets as a second home!

Well I really hope you get to the bottom of it, trust me I know how it feels having the vets as a second home Xx

Ah bless her, I think that is the cause of Daisy's heath problem too, she must have been bred from dogs that should not have been bred from!

Youch! Poor thing! It's actually pretty uncommon in dogs, and even more uncommon in dogs who haven't been bred; it's an infection of the mammary glands (milk ducts) and usually develops in nursing bitches.

Have you tried a hot water bottle? It's apparently very useful in the recovery of mastitis. A warm compress soaked in vinegar is supposed to be very good for the swelling as well, as it helps the body to reabsorb the infection.

Massaging the teat can help to break up the infection, allowing the body to get rid of it more quickly.

The scan is probably to ensure that there are no underlying causes, such as a small tumour which may have gone unnoticed.

Hope she feels better soon!

I heard it was rare, particularly in neutered females that haven't had pups! One special dog I have

Tried massaging them, no luck. On antibiotics it clears up but when off lumps and bumps rising and lowering on different nipples. Our vets said they've never seen a case like it! So off we go to the bit vet place.

In the mean time I might try the hot water bottle and compress ideas.

Poor Molly I hope she feels better soon!