GANGRENOUS mastitis is a serious condition in sheep affecting 1-2% of a flock, many of which die or are put down at a later date, while their lambs suffer severe growth check, according to NADIS' latest health bulletin for Scotland.
It occurs sporadically following bacterial entry into the mammary gland during the first two months of lactation and is more commonly reported in ewes nursing twins and triplets.
Needless to say, it is rarely seen in ewes rearing singles strengthening the link with appropriate ewe nutrition.
There are several clinical signs of this extremely painful condition which is preceded by lesions on the inner aspect of the ewe's teats, often caused by the lamb's incisor teeth during vigorous sucking.
Affected ewes soon become very dull and depressed and separate from the remainder of the flock and show no interest in their lambs.
Many also drag their hind leg next to the gangrenous quarter.
On inspection of the udder, there will be marked swelling of one gland with sharply-demarcated purple/black discoloration of the skin extending to involve the ventral abdominal wall. Gangrenous areas are cold and after several weeks gangrenous udder tissue sloughs leaving a large granulating wound.
DIAGNOSIS
- The associated lameness can be mistaken for a severe foot infection but becomes obvious once the udder is examined.
TREATMENT
- House ewe
- Prompt antibiotic treatment
- Injection of NSAID drug as advised by a veterinary surgeon
- Supplementary (milk substitute) feeding of lambs.
PREVENTION/CONTROL
- Increase supplementary feeding during cold weather when insufficient grazing
- Do not expect ewes to nurse triplets.
WELFARE IMPLICATIONS
- Gangrenous mastitis is a major welfare concern causing severe illness
- Dead mammary tissue is sloughed off
- Large granulating wound with superficial bacterial infection attracts nuisance flies
- Granulation tissue continues to proliferate over the coming months forming large growths
- Affected ewes are unsuitable for breeding stock and should be euthanased during the acute phase of disease
- Infection often spreads to the lungs (pneumonia) and heart (endocarditis).
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