Conservative Management of Unilateral Focal Gangrenous Mastitis in a 1½ Year-Old Lactating Red Sokoto Doe

Abstract

Red Sokoto goats are well known for their susceptibility to mastitis, but the economic role they play in the provision of regular income and outstanding high-quality hide and skin make it very important to care for their healthy well-being to ensure continuous production. Gangrenous mastitis is the form where the udder undergoes necrosis as a result of the effects of the toxin produced by the virulent microorganisms causing the condition and death can ensue from resulting toxemia. Total or unilateral mastectomy is the best management of gangrenous mastitis, especially where the teats are also affected. We present here a report of a conservative approach to management of a craniolateral focal gangrenous mastitis in a 1½-year old lactating doe by debulking of the gangrenous tissue, debriding, antibiosis and management as an open wound. The outcome was good and resulted in a spared teat with possibility of lactation in subsequent kidding.