Mastitis?? HELP!

[LoveMySadie]

I'm afraid that Sadie may be developing mastitis. She hasn't nursed since Monday night per the vet's instructions. I have cut her food back to a more normal level. All has been well - today she ran and played with Hank for several hours, and laid outside next to the puppies' pen for a long time. I would get one or two out at a time for her to "check on" but didn't let them nurse.

Tonight she ate all of her dinner. Then, later in the evening she seemed as though she wasn't feeling well. I took her out for a walk - she moved slowly but did urinate and have a normal bowel movement. Her teats are swollen but not particularly red...warm but not hot.

Her temp is over 102 but not 103. I called the ER vet (it's after 9:00 here) and they told me to let her rest and take her in tomorrow morning if she doesn't seem better. She is drinking water (not excessively) but obviously doesn't feel well.

HELP! Do I need to be doing something? I'm a bit panicky here just since I am such a novice at all of this. Do I need to rush her to the vet or will it be ok to wait and have her see her vet in the morning?

Thanks!!!!

Leslie

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

I pulled this info off the internet real quick. She may also have a uterine infection. Does she have any discharge from that area? I am not sure what time zone you are in or the cost of an emergency vet but depending on how sick she is, you may want to take her. I am a panic and run to the vet kind of person. Good luck and hopefully someone else can give you better advice.

The list below is symptoms of mastitis.

Mastitis
Swelling and inflammation of the breast in female dogs. Most common during pregnancy, and nursing.
Symptoms
Swelling of the breast
Pus-like, or bloody discharge
Fever
Appetite loss
Lethargy

[Penutsma]

I had mastitis the first time I had a baby. The doctor told me to use warm moist compresses until I could get to the doctor....it helped. If you have a heating pad that has a cover (and is rated for moist heat) see if you can get her to lay on it for a short period of time. That may help her discomfort until you can have the vet check her out. I would definately have it checked though.

[LoveMySadie]

I've been reading on the internet too all evening - sometimes that's good and sometimes it's dangerous! (A little knowledge and all of that....)

She's swollen, but not red and hot. There's no uterine involvement - no discharge, odor, etc.

She played all afternoon, ran more than she has in weeks. She may just have exhausted herself!

The ER vet said that there is no reason to bring her in tonight. They said her temp is still in the normal range. She just chowed down on her favorite treat, but she's definitely not too perky.

I think I'm over-reacting. I've been so anxious about all of this from day one...I've wanted to do the right thing for Sadie and the puppies, but I don't have the experience to know intuitively what the "right" thing is! I tend to be a bit of a worrier....

I've put her to bed in her crate with a full water bowl. She sat up and watched me leave the room just like she always does.

I think I'm going to bed - we'll be at the vet at 7:00 in the morning if all is not back to normal by then. It was quite warm today and she ran for a LONG time...I'm really thinking that she is more worn out than anything.

Keep your fingers crossed! And thanks for checking in on us, Bonnie!

Leslie

PS - Can you sense my insecurity here?!? I've had dogs ALL of my life, but never pregnant or nursing ones!

[CorgiMum]

Leslie, I am so sorry that Sadie is not well.
Wish I had some experienced advice for you, but all I can offer are good health vibes and a prayer for your girl.

Please keep us posted when you can.

[glencorgi]

At this stage mastitis wouldn't be a high ranking concern with me. Everything sounds "normal" with her teets, but a warm compress (hot water on a bath cloth - works) could be applied and then try expressing the milk. Temperature sounds normal. Given the day you described I'd be a little more worried about heat stress.

Debbie

[MrsGrace]

I know Mastitis, had it once and it HURTS. Warm compresses, warm water all good. Dr told me to keep nursing even though it hurt as the infection wouldn't harm my daughter and it would help my body heal more quickly.

[LoveMySadie]

Sadie seems no worse this morning, and perhaps a little better. She's walking gingerly, but she's alert, followed me upstairs, has a cool wet nose. We're going to the vet this morning, but I am much relieved - at least she's not worse!

Leslie

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

I'll still send some good vibes out your way. Glad she's feeling better. (She reminds me of Miss Gambler, I'm partial to the Sable ones.)

[Dillydoodle]

Please let us know how she makes out at the vets today.. I will be thinking about her , hope she is back to normal really fast!
Emilie

[The Chipmunk's Mom]

Leslie:

Please let us know how she is doing. I have been thinking of her. Like I say, I worry too much and my first thought was of a uterine infection (sight unseen) it is hard to tell and I always think of the worse.

Deb - thank you so much for responding so quickly.

[ZdogZ]

I hope that Sadie is doing better today.

[bayoucorgi]

Yeah, I had it once too. I just stood in the shower and cried. Poor Sadie. You can tell if it's mastitis or not by smelling the milk. Good milk smells good, bad milk not. Don't express too much milk as the engorgement tells her body not to produce more. But a warm or cool (not cold) compress will feel good. Good luck, try not to worry.

[CorgiMum]

Gald that Sadie is not worse this mornng, and you will probably both feel better after seeing the Vet.

[Fluffypants]

Please let us know what the vet says Leslie. Poor Sadie - even if it's not mastitis, I'm sure it's not pleasant to be all swollen like that! I'm sending her some good vibes and Jackie sends some corgi kisses.

And don't worry about overreacting or any of that. We all love our corgis to pieces (and each other's) and totally understand that feeling of worry. Whatever it is, we'll go through it with you (as much as we can via the internet, anyway). +WUBCLUB+

[LoveMySadie]

Sadie is acting much more herself this morning. I didn't rush her to the vet at 7:00 since she seems better, and we already have an appt. for Hank at 6:15 this evening about his grass allergies. +SAD+ So, I'm going to watch her all day, and if things stay calm just dove-tail onto Hank's appt. this evening.

And...we have another opportunity because I have an appt. tomorrow for all of the puppies for worming and shots!

Do you think my vet is planning a new hospital wing in our honor?? :LAUGH:

Leslie

[CorgiMum]

How about 'Corgi Clinic"?:WINK:

You have plenty of appt that you could take her to, if need be, and it doesn't sound like you will.:SMILE:

[Fluffypants]

Glad to hear that she seems to be feeling better . . . I wonder if the vet has started looking at colleges for his/her kids yet? :LAUGH:

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

I'm thinking Ivy League.

[LoveMySadie]

Glad to hear that she seems to be feeling better . . . I wonder if the vet has started looking at colleges for his/her kids yet? :LAUGH:

I was the college advisor and AP Lit teacher for both of his girls. They both went to fantastic schools and are doing extremely well. For some reason, I think our wonderful vet thinks he "owes" me...and at this point I have no plans to disabuse him of that notion! :WINK:

I haven't even mentioned the four years of intense medical care that Maddy, our cocker who died in January, went through! For four years she was on 5 meds twice a day, plus a battery of tests each quarter. On an initial prognosis of 4-6 months, she had four years of quality life...I think I OWE him!!!

Leslie

[Lauren]

I'm glad to hear that Sadie is feeling better!