Mastitis in ewes: signs and next steps

Mastitis in ewes is inflammation of the udder that can affect milk, lamb feeding, and the ewe's general health. It may occur around lambing or later during lactation and can involve one side or both. Checking the udder and watching the ewe and lambs helps identify trouble before weakness or poor feeding becomes severe.

An affected half of the udder may be hot, hard, swollen, painful, or unusually cool and damaged in a severe case. Milk may be watery, clotted, bloody, or foul-smelling. The ewe may stop eating, lag behind, lie apart, or resist lambs. Lambs may bleat, search repeatedly, seem hungry, or fail to gain strength because milk flow is reduced. Bacteria can enter through the teat, and dirty bedding or skin irritation can increase exposure.

Move the ewe to a clean, dry area and observe her safely without forcing a painful udder examination. Check whether each lamb is warm, alert, and feeding; arrange an alternative feeding plan if nursing is inadequate. Record the udder changes, milk appearance, appetite, and behaviour. A veterinarian should determine treatment, which may include prescribed medicine, pain relief, fluids, or support for the lambs. Do not inject or dose from a previous case without veterinary direction.

Call a veterinarian promptly if the ewe has a very painful or rapidly changing udder, abnormal milk, fever, weakness, dehydration, cold ears or limbs, refusal to eat, or difficulty standing. Get urgent advice when lambs are not feeding or when more than one ewe becomes ill. Follow instructions about milk use, meat withdrawal, and flock hygiene after any treatment.

Ask how to examine the udder safely, whether the lambs need supplementary feeding, which treatment is suitable, and how to keep the ewe comfortable. Clarify how to monitor the other ewes and what signs mean the situation has become an emergency.