📚 What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is inflammation or infection of the mammary glands in does—most commonly during lactation, but also in false pregnancies or cystic conditions :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. It presents as swollen, hot, painful glands, sometimes with blue-black discoloration in septic cases (“blue breast”) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

⚠️ Why It Matters

• Severe pain, fever, anorexia and systemic illness can occur quickly :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Kits may be unable to nurse; risk of kit mortality, bacterial spread :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Unchecked, mastitis may progress to septicemia and death :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

👀 Types & Common Causes

Septic Mastitis

• Bacterial invasion—Staph aureus most frequent, also Pasteurella spp. and Streptococcus spp. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Environmental contamination + trauma from kits or nest boxes :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Cystic Mastitis

• Non‑infectious fluid-filled nodules—can occur in does, even without lactation :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• May result from parasites, hormonal changes, or genetics :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.

👀 Recognizing Signs

• Swollen, firm, hot mammary glands—reddish or purplish “blue breast” in septic cases :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Pain (reluctance to move, hunched posture), fever :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Milk altered in color/consistency—thick, bloody, or pus-like; kits may fail to thrive :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• In cystic mastitis—“lumps” without fever, often fluctuant :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.

🔍 Diagnostic Steps

• Thorough history: lactation stage, environment, nest hygiene.
• Palpation of glands: assess warmth, firmness, asymmetry.
• Milk sample cytology/culture to identify bacteria :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• Bloodwork to check for systemic illness (CBC/culture) :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Ultrasound or needle aspiration for cystic nodules :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.

🛠️ Treatment Plan

1. Supportive Care

• Isolate affected doe; ensure clean, dry nest environment.
• Warm compresses help with circulation and comfort :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}.
• Pain relief and NSAIDs as needed.
• Ensure hydration and encourage feeding.

2. Antibiotic Therapy

• Systemic antibiotics targeting Staph/Pasteurella—e.g., penicillin G or broad-spectrum options :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
• Adjust after culture/sensitivity results.
• Duration typically 7–21 days depending on severity.

3. Abscess & Cyst Management

• Lancinating or draining abscesses—and flushing with antiseptics.
• Surgical removal of severe cysts or necrotic tissue.

4. Kit Management

• Assess whether kits can safely continue nursing—balance benefits of milk removal versus spread risk :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
• Hand‑raise kits if necessary; maintain hygiene to prevent spread.

🏠 Home Care & Recovery

• Daily cleaning of mammary area with warm water and mild antiseptic :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
• Redress abscesses as directed; monitor temperature and behavior daily.
• Maintain optimal nest box hygiene—dry, smooth, disinfected surfaces :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.
• Follow full antibiotic course; watch for side effects like GI upset.

📊 Prognosis & Outcomes

• Acute/septic mastitis has guarded prognosis; early treatment improves recovery rates :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}.
• Chronic or cystic cases often successfully managed with drainage and hygiene :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}.
• Farm data show ~4% incidence in does, with risk tied to hygiene and housing conditions :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}.

🛡️ Prevention Strategies

• Maintain clean, dry nests—daily removal of bedding; disinfect before each litter :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}.
• Ensure nest edges are smooth—avoid trauma on nipples :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}.
• Monitor early lactation closely for nipple damage or stress.
• Spay non‑breeding females at 4–6 months to prevent cystic mastitis :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}.
• Improve overall hygiene and reduce does per nest to lower infection risk :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}.

🧠 Vet Tips for 2025

• Include mammary exam in postpartum wellness visits.
• Provide owners with checklists for mastitis signs and nurse logs.
• Encourage milk culture to guide responsible antibiotic use.
• Offer telehealth follow-up to monitor recovery and prevent recurrence.
• Consider preventive spay and nest improvements for multi-doe households.

🔚 Final Takeaway

Rabbit mastitis—whether septic or cystic—requires prompt recognition, veterinary care, clean nursing environments, and owner vigilance. In 2025, combining diagnostics, targeted therapy, and strong prevention practices ensures healthier does, thriving litters, and reduced antibiotic use. 🐇❤️

🌟 Partner Services

• Ask A Vet: Live support for mastitis diagnosis, milk culture guidance, antibiotic plans & telehealth check‑ins.
• Woopf: Nest‑box hygiene kits, soft-edged bedding, antiseptic washes and nursing monitoring tools.
• Purrz: Antibiotic adjuncts, warm compress packs, nursing supplements, and postpartum great‑care bundles.