Diagnosis can be made through clinical signs and symptoms, a recent history of coitus or parturition, and vaginal swab.
Treatment is generally restricted to of topical antibiotics or vaginal lavages.
from exercise and sexual activity and the application
If there is an incomplete vaccination history tetanus antitoxin may be administered to prevent tetanus infection.
Mastitis
Mastitis is a term used to describe the inflammation of the
gland.
It is usually caused by bacterial or fungal infection though Streptococcus spp . is the most common etiological agent. The bacteria are transmitted from the environment to the teat, then enter the mammary gland through the external opening of the teat. The bacteria then ascend to the . Here the bacteria reside in the milk and on the epithelial surface of the milk duct. The bacteria do not invade the tissue of the teat. The milk provides nutrients that facilitate rapid bacterial reproduction which triggers the influx of . The neutrophils cause inflammation and damage to the milk duct epithelium which may lead to the obstruction of the milk duct. Damaged epithelial tissue is healed through scarring and which inhibits the secretory function of the affected teat. period. This is the time between the weaning of the foal and the cessation of milk production as the foal is no longer suckling, which has the function of flushing the teat canal multiple times per day. Mares are most susceptible to mastitis during the The clinical presentation of mastitis includes swelling & heat of the affected teat and of the udder, pain on palpation of the teat or udder, secretion from the affected teat, stiff gait, reluctance to move, wide hind limb stance, outward rotation of the hind limb on the affected side, ventral edema, fever, anorexia and depression. If the foal is still nursing the mare may be reluctant to allow the foal to suckle or may kick out at the foal. Foals nursing from an affected mare may show signs of malnutrition and dehydration or may exhibit a preference for the unaffected teat. Diagnosis of mastitis can be made through clinical signs and symptoms and bacterial culture from milk from the affected teat.
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