Читать книгу Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff - Группа авторов - Страница 156

Mastitis is rarely seen in the cat. When it does occur, the first sign noted is often kitten death. Examination of the mammary gland reveals a red, erythematous gland that often produces a purulent discharge. Initially, one might notice that the kittens are more vocal, and the queen may avoid them and become more restless as her mammary gland becomes more uncomfortable. The queen may lick and groom the area more frequently, and she may growl as she grooms. As the infection progresses and the queen becomes more febrile, she will be anorectic, depressed, and adipsic. This will further decrease milk production, resulting in increased vocalization of the hungry kittens. Lack of milk will result in hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and premature death of the kittens. Early identification and treatment can prevent degeneration of the mammary gland to gangrenous mastitis (Gruffydd‐Jones 1980).