title: Gangrenous mastitis caused by Bacillus species in six goats.
abstract: METHODS
  6 lactating dairy goats were examined because of acute mastitis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Goats were considered to have endotoxemia on the basis of physical examination and clinicopathologic findings. The affected udder halves had gangrenous discolored distal portions with sharp demarcations from grossly normal tissue proximally. Udder secretions from the affected sides were serosanguineous in all cases. A Bacillus sp was isolated in pure cultures in all cases. In 1 case, the Bacillus sp was identified as Bacillus cereus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Goats were treated for mastitis and endotoxemia with polyionic IV fluid therapy, systemic and intramammary antimicrobial administration, anti-inflammatory drug administration, and other supportive treatment. All goats survived to discharge. All except 1 goat had follow-up information available. The affected udder halves sloughed in 1 to 2 months following discharge. In subsequent lactations after the mastitis episodes, milk production in 2 of 5 goats was above the mean, as determined on the basis of Dairy Herd Improvement records, and 3 of 5 goats were voluntarily withdrawn from lactation. All 5 goats had successful kiddings after the Bacillus mastitis episode.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Bacillus sp should be considered as a causative agent in goats with gangrenous mastitis, especially when the Bacillus sp is isolated in a pure culture. Antimicrobial sensitivity testing is recommended for selection of an appropriate antimicrobial for treatment. Prognosis for survival appears to be good, although milk production may be decreased.
authors: William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, CA 95616, USA. mavangir@msu.edu
authors: Vengai
authors: V
authors: Mavangira
authors: John A
authors: JA
authors: Angelos
authors: Eileen M
authors: EM
authors: Samitz
authors: Joan D
authors: JD
authors: Rowe
authors: Barbara A
authors: BA
authors: Byrne
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001407:Bacillus / Q000145:classification* / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D015511:Goat Diseases / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006041:Goats; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008413:Mastitis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*