Clinical Mastitis in Small Ruminants Referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital: 23 Cases.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Health
• Ruminant Diseases

Background:

• Clinical mastitis in small ruminants typically has a low incidence (<5%).
• Hyperacute cases are often not referred for veterinary care, potentially underrepresenting disease severity.
• Mastitis significantly impacts animal welfare and agricultural productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical presentation, microbiological causes, and pathological findings of clinical mastitis in small ruminants.
• To analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolated pathogens.
• To highlight the variability and impact of mastitis in goats and sheep.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 23 small ruminant cases (16 goats, 7 sheep) diagnosed with clinical mastitis over 5 years.
• Clinical examination, microbiological culture, and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Gross pathological examination of affected mammary glands.

Main Results:

• Clinical signs varied from septic states to chronic udder changes with pain and gait abnormalities.
• Common bacterial pathogens identified include Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus spp., and Pasteurella spp.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility varied widely, with some isolates showing multi-drug resistance. Pathological findings included necrosis, hyperemia, and parenchymal changes.

Conclusions:

• Clinical mastitis in small ruminants is a multifactorial disease with highly variable clinical and pathological presentations.
• Bacterial pathogens exhibit diverse antimicrobial resistance profiles, complicating treatment strategies.
• Mastitis poses a significant threat to small ruminant health, welfare, and economic viability.