Print

Treatment

Your veterinarian may administer antibiotics to help control the bacterial infection. Anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic agents can also be administered to help reduce the inflammation of the mammary glands. If an injury is found, your veterinarian will cleanse and dress the wound with the appropriate topical (external) antibiotics and ointments.

Living and Management

The pups should not be allowed to feed from the sow while she is suffering from mastitis. If possible, the pups should be nursed by other lactating female, or hand fed by a human caretaker. Routinely administer the necessary antibiotics for the full course as directed by your veterinarian, and also follow any instructions for the regular dressing and treatment of the wound until the mastitis has healed.

Prevention

To prevent mastitis, make sure your guinea pig is well taken care of, her living quarters kept clean and sanitary, with bedding that does not cause irritation to the skin. Nutrition is especially important during pregnancy and nursing. You may need to feed your nursing sow slightly differently during this time, as well as making sure that she is being fed high quality feed, and always has access to clean water. It is also important to make sure that your nursing guinea pig is kept in a calm environment, away from household traffic or heavy activity, so that she is not unduly stressed.