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Neonatal Sepsis in Dogs Caused by Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcus Sourced From Maternal Mastitis-Case Report
Keylla Helena Nobre Pacífico Pereira1,2, Júlia Cosenza Mendonça1, Kárita da Mata Fuchs1
1Veterinary Neonatology Research Group, Department of Veterinary Clinics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil, usp.br.
Case Reports in Veterinary Medicine
|January 1, 2026
Summary
Neonatal sepsis in puppies, caused by maternal mastitis, can be fatal. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment of both mother and pups are crucial for survival and recovery from toxic milk syndrome.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Neonatalogy
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neonatal sepsis is a primary cause of mortality in young dogs.
- Maternal mastitis is a significant source of neonatal infection, leading to toxic milk syndrome.
- Prompt intervention is vital for treating neonatal canine infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of neonatal sepsis in puppies resulting from maternal clinical mastitis.
- To detail the diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies employed.
- To highlight the importance of timely treatment for litter survival.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination of three 5-day-old Pug puppies exhibiting signs of infection (diarrhea, erythema, omphalitis).
- Assessment of the dam for clinical signs of mastitis (purulent mammary secretions).
- Complete blood count (CBC) in puppies, milk microbiological culture, and antibiogram.
- Treatment involved maternal antibiotic therapy and supportive care for puppies, including separation and milk replacer.
Main Results:
- Puppies presented with leukopenia, neutropenia, and monocytosis.
- Milk culture identified beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, sensitive to cephalosporins and penicillins.
- Both puppies and the dam responded well to antibiotic treatment (ceftriaxone for puppies, amoxicillin-clavulanate for the dam).
- Infection resolved within 7 days, with normalized blood counts and clinical signs.
Conclusions:
- Maternal mastitis can lead to severe neonatal sepsis and toxic milk syndrome in puppies.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy are critical for successful treatment outcomes.
- Aggressive management, including supportive care and antimicrobial treatment, improves survival rates in affected litters.
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