Radical Unilateral Mastectomy for Fibrosed Gangrenous Udder in a Lactating Goat

Abstract

Mastitis reflects the inflammation of the mammary gland, which may occur due to any bacterial infection secondary to teat injury or poor management (Marogna et al., 2010). Radical mastectomy (unilateral or bilateral) is a salvage procedure and indicated in cases of chronic suppurative mastitis, gangrenous mastitis and neoplastic or hyperplastic conditions of the udder (Andreasen et al., 1993; El-Maghraby, 2001; Canle et al., 2004). Gangrenous mastitis is a peracute form of mastitis, characterized by necrosis of the udder tissue, caused by alpha-toxins (Smith and Sherman, 2009). Physical examination of the udder is characterized by discolored (blue- blackish or blue-greenish) and cold udder (Ribeiro et al., 2007). Gangrenous mastitis is one of the most difficult forms of mastitis to be treated (Bloway, 1993), and in very severe cases, gangrene may lead to toxemia and loss of animal life (Ribeiro et al., 2007). Unilateral or bilateral mastectomy is recommended as a pain-relieving procedure for extensive lesions involving udder and in cases of chronic mastitis, gangrenous lesions, or neoplasia (Canle et al., 2004). The present case report describes unilateral mastectomy for the management of incurable extensive fibrosis of udder while allowing the other mammary gland to continue lactation.