Mastitis refers to which condition?

• A. Inflammation of the liver.
• B. Inflammation of the brain.
• C. Inflammation of the uterus.
• D. Inflammation of the mammary gland.

Answer: (D)

Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland. This refers to the udder tissue where milk is produced, and it’s a condition you’ll encounter in lactating animals, often due to infection or injury. Signs include a hot, swollen, and painful quarter, with possible redness; milk may be abnormal (for example, clots or discoloration) and milk production can drop. It’s important to distinguish this from other inflammations: inflammation of the liver is hepatitis, inflammation of the brain is encephalitis, and inflammation of the uterus is metritis or endometritis. Understanding that mastitis targets the mammary gland helps focus the appropriate clinical response, such as milking management, teat hygiene, and, when needed, antimicrobial treatment.