One of my does had a swollen udder for a considerable time after she kidded 2 years ago. Vet checked about 6 months ago, and said no mastitis. Asked me if any of her offspring were nursing, and I said not that I could see. At that time, I observed her once pulling/?? sucking on the udder. Wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen a cow do it on America's Funniest Videos. This same doe also nursed her twins for almost 9 months!

Now only half of her udder is swollen. She is not running a fever, and the udder is not hot, but she does NOT like me touching it. I've never milked her. Her health is good and worming up-to-date. Does this sound like Chronic Mastitis? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

-- Marsha (CaprisMaa@aol.com), January 01, 2001

Answers

It sounds suspicious enough that I would have someone restrain her and check her milk. To check for mastitis you can either use a dark cup or your hand. To use your hand, squirt the milk gently across your flat palm. You should see any lumps or strings. The lumps don't have to be real big to indicate mastitis. If it looks suspicious take her to a vet or you might be able to take him a fresh sample of milk.

-- Amanda in Mo (aseley@townsqr.com), January 02, 2001.

I'm not sure what you mean by swollen. Greatly distended? Or just larger than when she is not milking, which a productive udder should be? If she is sucking herself, it would certainly explain why she hasn't dried up. It could be that she only drinks from one side, so only one side is still producing. if the milk looks normal, and the udder doesn't feel hot, and her appetite is good, I'd guess that she doesn't have mastitis. You can check by doing a California mastitis test on the milk. Most goats I have met do not like their udders to be touched by anyone unless they are being milked regularly, and even then there are some who seem sensitive.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), January 02, 2001.

Marsha, try adding an ounce of apple cider vinegar to her feed for about a month, it will help clear up most types of mastitis. If you want her to dry up, feed her dried sage, a tablespoon per feeding should do the trick. Good luck!

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), January 03, 2001.

I’ve been sick w/bronchitis and not been able to tackle her yet - this doe can be very obstinate and STRONG. Will attempt to milk her tomorrow with my husband’s assistance & check the milk, have it tested if it has lumps/strings. I didn’t clarify, but the doe is not greatly distended. The vet did a mastitis test 6 months ago which was negative. I do put apple cinder vinegar in their water, will try some on her feed too. And the suggestion for sage sounds great!

Thank you all for your help!

-- Marsha (CaprisMaa@aol.com), January 05, 2001.