GANGRENOUS MASTITIS IN LOCAL SHORT HAIRED FELINE

Abstract

Feline mastitis is an uncommon inflammation of mammary gland. It is caused by bacterial infection of lactating gland, during pseudo pregnancy and galactostasis (accumulation of the milk). This study intends to describe a case of gangrenous mastitis in a queen and to isolate and identify the causative agent using PCR technique. Two-year-old, about 2.75- kg, female domestic shorthaired house cat was referred to the Veterinary Hospital, with the chief complaint of anorexia, lethargy and anxiety of 3 days duration with a noticeable decrease in body condition and a large open dark red wounds on her ventral caudal abdomen. A diagnosis of acute fulminant mastitis of the second- caudal left and right mammary gland with abscessation and gangrenous involvement swelling was made. Dark brown fluid were aseptically collected from the swollen glands and submitted to microbiological culture. Isolated microorganisms were identified based on macro and microscopical morphology by Gram stain, culture characteristics, biochemical profile and molecular techniques. Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli were identified as the causative agents. E. coli pathogenicity was approved by confirmation of CS1 expression gene by molecular technique. The cat was successfully treated with systematic antibiotics and open wound management using surgical debridement and lavage followed by wound dressings using local antibiotic. In conclusions, this case report highlights the gangrenous mastitis and its causative agents in feline, in addition to its respond to the medical treatment procedures. So far as we are aware, and for the authors knowledge, this is the first report regarding gangrenous mastitis in Iraq.