The inflammatory process in the mammary glands of a cat is a serious and serious disease that requires timely diagnosis and immediate treatment. Veterinarians identify several causes of mastitis in cats. The disease occurs in different forms, but in each case the animal needs veterinary care. Owners of cats need to know the basic methods of prevention in order to prevent the development of the problem and its unpleasant consequences.
Causes of mastitis in cats
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Factors that initiate mammary gland pathology can be very different. They concern both the physiology of the animal itself and environmental conditions. The claim that mastitis only occurs in lactating cats and does not occur in cats that have been neutered is a misconception. Practice shows that mastitis occurs in cats in any condition. Precipitating conditions include:
- Injuries, mechanical irritation in the gland area.
- Infection of tissues through cracks in the nipples.
- Gynecological and urological diseases.
- Stagnation of milk due to early weaning of kittens from their mother.
- Blockage of the milk ducts for physiological reasons.
- Stillbirth of cubs in the same litter.
- Complications after cesarean section.
- Violation of hormone synthesis during estrus, false pregnancy.
The development of mastitis in cats is facilitated by hypothermia and a weakened immune system.
Characteristic symptoms
The main symptoms appear when the disease has already entered the advanced stage. At this stage, the animal’s general well-being worsens and its appearance changes. The tumor may appear as single or multiple nodes. The inguinal and axillary lymph nodes are inflamed. The lesion may involve several lobes of the mammary gland.
- the neoplasm is significant in size;
- there is quite severe inflammation of the surrounding tissues;
- the cat is in quite a lot of pain;
- body temperature may rise;
- the animal loses weight sharply, there is no appetite;
- Bleeding and discharge of pus from the opened tumor are possible.
If a cat's mammary gland is swollen and painful, this is not always associated with cancer. Very often, some non-tumor conditions of the mammary glands have similar signs. Basically, these are hyperplasias (tissue growths) of various etiologies and some other conditions:
- hyperplasia of the gland ducts;
- breast cysts;
- lobular hyperplasia;
- fibroadenomatous hyperplasia;
- false pregnancy;
- true pregnancy;
- consequences of the administration of progesterone hormone drugs.
Methods for diagnosing mastitis
The very beginning of the disease may be missed due to a blurred clinical picture. Further development contributes to a more pronounced manifestation of symptoms. Diagnosis of mastitis in a cat consists of visual examination, palpation, ultrasound and laboratory tests. After which treatment is prescribed.
Blood is taken from the animal to determine the total number of cells and hemoglobin. To determine the degree of inflammation and the pathogen, an analysis of discharge from the mammary gland is performed. This cytological study also helps to determine the nature of inflammation. A high number of dead epithelial cells indicates the fibrous, catarrhal, serous type. An increased number of red blood cells and platelets diagnoses the hemorrhagic form.
The ultrasound method helps determine the localization of the pathogenic process, the condition of the ducts and the presence of fluid in them. Ultrasound checks the condition of the glandular cavities and the tissues of the glands themselves. Diagnostics makes it possible to distinguish mastitis from less dangerous mastopathy, adenoma, and benign growth of glandular tissue.
Stages of the disease
Mammary cancer that occurs in a cat has four stages of development. They are recognized by their clinical signs and have different courses:
- The first stage is characterized by small, painless lumps. The lymph nodes are not yet enlarged. The disease detected at this stage can be completely cured, and the cat continues to live.
- The second stage is characterized by a more dense neoplasm, which can reach a diameter of three centimeters. The tumor at this stage is operable, animals have an approximately one-year survival rate.
- The third stage is a tumor larger than three centimeters in size, inflamed lymph nodes. The cat protects the chest, experiencing pain in the affected area.
- The fourth and final stage cannot be cured. The neoplasm is significant in size. Lymph nodes are greatly enlarged. The cat is exhausted. There are already metastases. In most cases, at this stage of the disease, surgery is powerless. Severe pain is relieved by constant use of painkillers. The prognosis of the disease is unfavorable. In especially severe cases, animal euthanasia is used.
The degree of disease in the clinic is determined by the so-called staging system, which takes into account the size of the tumor and the results of aspiration biopsy of the lymph nodes. In addition, to determine the number and localization of metastases, radiography in three projections, ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are prescribed.
Why is mastitis dangerous?
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Purulent inflammation of the mammary glands threatens to spread to other organs without treatment and result in general sepsis. Such a serious condition is fraught not only with intoxication, but also with the death of the animal. Kittens suffer no less, receiving, at best, defective milk, and at worst, poisoned milk. The death of babies due to purulent mastitis in cats often happens.
An advanced form may require the help of a surgeon
Advanced mastitis often develops into a chronic form. In case of hypothermia or weakened immunity, the cat’s glands begin to become inflamed. The cavities that were previously filled with pus are overgrown with connective tissue. The mammary gland loses its ability to function normally. Another danger is the possible degeneration of glandular tissue. This is how tumors of both benign and malignant nature appear.
Features of treatment depending on the cause of breast swelling
The symptoms of benign neoplasms are the same as with mastitis and mastopathy. In addition, the animal's lymph nodes become enlarged.
At risk are cats that have had hormonal imbalances or chest trauma. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to developing benign tumors.
Obesity, frequent childbirth, taking drugs that neutralize sexual desire, hormones can provoke neoplasms in the mammary glands. How dangerous it is can only be determined by the results of a comprehensive examination.
Inflammation can be caused by the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the gland; a tumor often indicates the development of mastitis and mastopathy. Hormones have a great influence on the condition of the mammary glands. Hormonal imbalances also often lead to swollen nipples and the appearance of a variety of discharge. Most often, cats develop cancer. The risk of cancer increases in animals aged 10–12 years.
If the glands are swollen, this does not always indicate the presence of pathology. Natural causes of this condition are pregnancy and breastfeeding. Nipple enlargement occurs in the fourth week of pregnancy. This sign is especially well expressed in nulliparous females.
If the female is not pregnant, then most likely the tumor is caused by pathological processes. They can occur as a result of hormonal imbalances, the use of hormone-based drugs, poor ecology, and poor nutrition. The most common breast diseases are:
- neoplasms;
- mastitis (serous, purulent);
- mastopathy;
- false pregnancy.
The course of treatment for the cat is prescribed depending on the results of the tumor examination. The benign lump is excised, after which the animal makes a full recovery. The cancerous lesion will also have to be removed to save the pet’s life. However, in this case, additional therapy is usually required after surgery to reduce the likelihood of relapse.
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Mastitis in a cat can be cured with ointments, injections and tablets. As a rule, veterinarians prescribe Gamavit or Catozal, a solution of calcium gluconate. Injections of Travmatin and Mastometrin are used both for the treatment and prevention of mastitis. The duration of the course and dosage are determined by the doctor, taking into account the pet’s weight and other conditions.
In severe cases of purulent mastitis, antibiotics are prescribed. If there is a significant increase in body temperature, the animal is given an injection of analgin with diphenhydramine. When pus flows from the nipples or they bleed, it is necessary to treat with Chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide. If your nipples are inflamed, it is recommended to smear them with products that have a wound-healing and analgesic effect. The condition of swollen glands can be normalized with the help of ointments (Mastiet Forte, Gamabiol, Iruksovetin, Levomekol, Trauma-gel).
Surgery is the main way to combat malignant tumors. The veterinarian prescribes surgery after assessing the size of the lesion and the condition of the cat. Depending on the degree of growth of pathological tissue, one or more mammary glands are removed. In case of bilateral pathology, 2 operations are performed with an interval of 14 days. However, when cancer cells penetrate the skin, the affected area on the abdomen is completely removed in one operation.
Doctors usually recommend removing lymph nodes to reduce the risk of cancer cells growing back. In some cases, it is also necessary to remove the ovaries and uterus.
Chemotherapy is used in the treatment of cancer in animals. It is usually carried out to prevent relapses. Cats are given such strong drugs as Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide. These drugs can completely stop the development of tumor processes. However, these medications have many side effects and lead to severe intoxication. Pets can only be treated with these drugs under the close supervision of a specialist.
In some cases, it is impossible to operate on a cat due to its age or concomitant chronic diseases. In this case, chemotherapy becomes the only way to stop the growth of the tumor and prolong the life of the pet.
Sometimes surgery is refused because the size of the lump is too small. In such situations, chemotherapy can give excellent results and lead to a complete recovery of the cat.
Folk remedies
Folk remedies are used, as a rule, in the treatment of mild forms of mastitis. Warm compresses with herbal infusions have a positive effect. For lotions, decoctions of oak bark, sage and chamomile are prepared. It is very important that the infusion is not hot. Excessive heating of the affected area can make the situation worse.
Damaged nipples can be gently massaged with camphor or ichthyol oil. After this, a bandage should be applied to the lubricated areas for a short time to prevent the animal from licking the oil.
With malignant tumors, the cat may experience severe pain. In this case, the use of folk remedies as additional therapy is allowed. Decoctions of herbs such as calendula, spurge, arnica, wild rosemary and knotweed will help slow down abnormal cell growth and reduce pain.
For benign formations, decoctions of burdock, cinquefoil, plantain, tartar, fireweed will contribute to a stable improvement in the pet’s condition. For cancerous tumors, these herbs will help contain the development of metastases.
Treatment of mastitis
Conservative therapy uses antibiotics and immunocorrective medications. In more severe cases, surgical intervention is resorted to. The duration of treatment for mastitis in a cat is determined by the form of the disease:
- serous – 5-7 days;
- fibrinous – 5-10 days;
- purulent – 14 days;
- gangrenous – 25-30 days;
- hemorrhagic – 10-15 days.
Antibacterial treatment includes cephalosporins (Cefazolin, Cephalexin) or penicillins (Amikacin, Ampicillin). If a fungal infection is added to a bacterial infection, the patient is treated in parallel with antifungal drugs: Griseofulvin, Amphotericin.
When the inflammatory process goes too far, the cat is operated on: the abscessing boils are opened, the purulent contents are removed, and the cavities of the milky lobes are cleaned. In some cases, a partial or complete mastectomy (removal of the breast) is indicated. After surgery, the animal requires a long rehabilitation period.
Anesthesia
If the pain syndrome is severe, the cat is given a novocaine blockade before starting treatment. To do this, an injection is made into the fat layer between the affected area and the peritoneum with a 0.5% or 1% solution of novocaine. The dose depends on the weight of the pet: for every kilogram of weight, take 1 ml of the drug. At the same time, an antibiotic is added to the syringe. Anesthesia is repeated at intervals of two days until the pain symptom completely disappears.
Strengthening the immune system
To strengthen the body's defenses, the cat is prescribed complex dietary supplements. Vitamins and minerals support the immune system and help quickly neutralize the inflammatory focus. The vitamin preparation is fed to the animal for two months. Immunomodulators also provide support: Neoferon, Globfel, Catozal and others. The immunoglobulins and plant extracts they contain stimulate your own immunity.
Swollen mammary glands after castration
With proper preparation and postoperative rehabilitation treatment, the operation is well tolerated. The surgeon receiving the animal will tell you about possible complications, often associated with concomitant diseases, at the appointment.
To avoid serious consequences associated with diagnosing a mammary tumor in your pet, you need to: - periodically examine and feel the animal’s mammary glands; If you detect any nodules or swellings, contact your veterinarian promptly; — in the first stages, mastectomy is the only correct method of treatment. Don't be afraid of surgery. She can really help. — in advanced cases, surgical removal is aimed at relieving suffering and is associated with risk; there are methods of treating AML such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which can be carried out in conjunction with surgery. — for opened, ulcerated tumors, it is necessary to use antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and appropriate treatment prescribed by your doctor. Avoid contamination of surrounding objects with exudate; use gloves when processing. — DO NOT put your pet to sleep prematurely after hearing the diagnosis. Remember how many years your dog or cat has brought you joy, at least try to help her. And we will try to help you in such a difficult but noble task as treating your pet.
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Treating cat mastitis at home
Complicated types of mastitis in cats require the help of a veterinarian. You can treat a sick pet at home only with catarrhal or serous mastitis. The owner has the power to alleviate the animal’s condition and speed up the treatment of mastitis. To do this, it is permissible to use a light stroking massage. If touching causes pain or discomfort in the cat, tactile stimulation is abandoned. Rubbing with ichthyol or camphor oil helps. The product is applied after the massage. The smeared surface is covered with film and bandaged.
When the mammary glands of a nursing cat become overfilled and tense, they resort to expressing milk. To limit secretion production, reduce the amount of water in the bowl. It is advisable to switch the cat to dry food and give water only when feeding.
The most important thing when treating mastitis in a cat is to follow all the instructions prescribed by the doctor.
When it is impossible to treat
The cat owner should recognize symptoms that indicate the inadmissibility of self-treatment at home. If at least one of them appears, you should urgently seek help from a specialist. This list includes:
- soreness and severe hardening of the glands;
- enlargement of nearby lymph nodes;
- cloudy discharge from the nipples with traces of pus and blood;
- fever, fever.
Severe disease requires medical intervention. Treatment of mastitis in such cases consists of a complex of analgesic, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory medications.
Folk remedies
It is useful for a sick cat to apply warm compresses to the area of the affected organ. Decoctions or infusions of chamomile, oak bark, sage, string, and birch leaves are used as a medicinal liquid. To prepare the drug, one tablespoon of herb or collection is poured with boiling water and infused. After filtering, a piece of gauze is moistened in the solution and applied to the sore spot. Place polyethylene on top and lightly bandage it. The procedure lasts 20-30 minutes and is repeated up to five times a day. Cabbage leaves used to treat mastitis do not have noticeable effectiveness, so they are used only for very mild forms of mastopathy.
Preventive measures
A preventive measure that provides almost one hundred percent protection against this disease is sterilization of the cat in childhood, even before the onset of the first heat, and castration of the cat before the age of 1 year.
Regular prevention consists of the following:
- when playing with a cat or male cat, it is necessary to conduct an incidental examination of the mammary glands;
- the animal is subjected to an annual preventive examination at a veterinary institution after reaching 10 years of age;
- hormonal medications that regulate the cat’s sexual activity and delay the onset of pregnancy should be abandoned;
- It is equally important to follow the principles of proper and nutritious nutrition for your pet;
- and, finally, it is necessary to promptly treat inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system of pets.
Breast tumors are a very serious disease. Any person caring for their pet is interested in the question: how long do cats with this disease live? If detected early, their lifespan may not be limited by the disease. In other cases, their average lifespan ranges from 2 to 20 months (if you count from detection).
You should never despair and lose hope for the recovery of your family friend. We must do everything possible and believe, according to the principle: as long as you believe, you live.
How to express milk to a cat
To express milk from a lactating female, it is recommended to use a special breast pump. If the device is not available, it is easy to make it yourself. To do this, take a plastic disposable 5 ml syringe. The piston is removed from it and the top is evenly cut off along with the nose, which is intended for the needle. Next, the cut is melted over fire. Allow the plastic to cool slightly and smooth out the edge with your fingers so that it is smooth and without sharp protrusions. Put the piston in place.
To express milk, the device is applied to the skin so that the nipple is in the center of the cut out circle. When the piston is raised, a vacuum is created in the breast pump and milk flows into the container. It is enough to do this procedure once a day. The entire process of making the device and pumping is clearly shown in the video:
Before using a pumping device, you need to make sure that your cat does not have a blocked milk duct!
Caring for your cat after surgery
The result of treatment depends not only on timely surgery. Surgical removal of the tumor is only the initial stage of the fight against cancer. Postoperative care plays an important role. A pet who has undergone surgery must be provided with complete rest. In addition, you must follow your veterinarian's instructions and follow all recommendations regarding your cat's diet.
The seam must be regularly treated with a special product, which is also prescribed by the veterinarian. In addition, the animal must be given a number of medications, strictly observing the time of administration and dosage. This will help avoid complications.
For some time after removal of the tumor, the cat must wear a special blanket. It is designed to protect the seam and prevent inflammation. The owner must carefully ensure that the blanket is held securely and does not come undone.
Scheduled inspections are carried out weekly. To assess the animal’s condition and understand how its recovery process is going, the veterinarian will take the necessary tests. However, even the most experienced doctor cannot say exactly how long a cat will live after surgery.
How to feed kittens with mastitis in a cat
If a nursing cat has been diagnosed with inflammation, then the method of feeding the kittens directly depends on the severity of the disease. If one or two mammary glands are mildly affected, they are bandaged or sealed to limit the babies' access to the affected nipple. If the inflammation has affected all the glands or mastitis develops according to the purulent, hemorrhagic, gangrenous type, then the babies should be isolated from the mother. Milk containing toxic substances can cause poisoning in young kittens.
