Sheep mastitis treatment: what should you know?

Mastitis is inflammation of the udder. An affected half may feel hot, firm, swollen or painful, and the milk may look watery, clotted, bloody or otherwise unusual. The ewe may eat less, appear dull or have a fever; severe disease can affect the whole animal.

The cause may be bacterial or related to injury, milk build-up or poor udder drainage. A veterinarian may examine the ewe, assess the milk and decide whether testing is useful. Do not assume that a normal-looking udder rules out early disease.

Separate the ewe if advised, keep bedding clean and provide easy access to water and feed. Handle the udder gently and do not forcefully strip it or give leftover antibiotics. A veterinarian may prescribe an appropriate medicine, pain relief or supportive care, and will explain how to administer it.

Follow instructions for the full treatment plan and keep treated milk out of the food supply for the advised withdrawal period. Ask about safe milking hygiene and whether the lamb needs help feeding. Breast Pain and Painful Breastfeeding are separate human symptoms; a Lactation Consultation is relevant only when a person is breastfeeding.

Contact a veterinarian promptly for a hot, swollen or painful udder, abnormal milk, reduced feeding or a ewe that seems unwell. Treat collapse, inability to stand, cold ears or legs, severe weakness, or a dark, cold udder as an emergency.

Ask which udder changes suggest mastitis, whether milk testing is needed, what medicine and dose are appropriate, how to manage the lamb, and when milk can safely re-enter the food supply.