Introduction
Mastitis affects health and welfare of dogs, but few protocols are available for its treatment.
Objective
Objective was to evaluate clindamycin for the treatment of staphylococcal mastitis in dogs.
Methods
The right 2nd abdominal mammary gland of 6 lactating Beagle dogs was inoculated on the 8th day after whelping (D0), with 106 CFU of Staphylococcus intermedius. Treatment started on D1 with clindamycin tabs (dose: 11.0 mg per kg BW daily for 10 d). Examination of animals and collection of samples were carried out at regular intervals up to D55.
Results
All animals developed mastitis. The challenged glands became enlarged, red, hot, painful and oedematous; mammary secretion was purulent with flakes. Blood leucocyte counts increased to 22,600 cells μl-1. S. intermedius was recovered from milk samples of all challenged glands. Median Whiteside test scores increased to "3+" and neutrophils predominated in milk films. After treatment, subsidence of signs was first evident on D4; full clinical recovery of all animals was achieved on D13. Blood leucocyte counts remained over 22,000 cells μl-1 up to D10, then progressively decreased to normal values. S. intermedius was recovered from all bitches up to D7; no bacteria were isolated from challenged glands on D13 and thereafter; median duration of infection was 11 days. Median Whiteside test scores remained high (≥ "1+") and presence of neutrophils in milk smears were observed up to D20; on D27, they had returned to normal in all bitches.
Conclusions
The findings support use of clindamycin for treatment of canine staphylococcal mastitis.