What should you know about equine mastitis?

The word mastitis describes inflammation of mammary tissue. In a horse, the affected area is the udder, usually in a mare that is producing milk, has recently foaled, or has another udder problem. Warmth, swelling, firmness, pain, or an unusual discharge can occur. Human mastitis is a different clinical situation, even though the word is shared. Do not use human antibiotics, creams, or pain medicines for a horse unless a veterinarian specifically prescribes them.

Contact a veterinarian promptly and describe when the udder changed, whether the mare has recently foaled, and any change in milk or behaviour. Keep the mare and foal in a clean, calm environment while waiting for advice. A veterinarian may examine the udder and milk, then decide whether treatment, drainage, supportive care, or monitoring is needed. Follow instructions about milking, hygiene, medicines, and whether the milk is safe for the foal.

Seek urgent veterinary help if the mare is dull, feverish, unable to eat, severely painful, or reluctant to move. Rapidly increasing swelling, marked heat, tissue discolouration, pus or blood in the milk, or a foal that cannot nurse also warrants prompt attention. Mastitis can worsen and may affect both the mare’s comfort and the foal’s feeding.

Ask which tests are needed, how often the udder should be checked, whether the foal should nurse, and how to recognise worsening infection. Clarify every medicine’s dose, handling instructions, and any milk-withholding guidance.