Etiology:  Mastitis may be caused by a variety of organisms, including Pasteurella sp., Klebsiella sp., coliforms, streptococci, and staphylococci.

Incidence:  Mastitis is fairly common in lactating Guinea pigs.

Transmission:  Inoculation of bacteria occurs secondary to trauma to the mammary tissue caused by nursing pups.

Clinical Signs:  The affected gland becomes diffusely or focally enlarged, hyperemic and warm, and later becomes cyanotic and cool.  Depression ensues and the animal may die of septicemia [1].

Diagnosis:  Diagnosis is made based on clinical signs and culture.

1.            Quesenberry, K.E., Carpenter, James W., Ferrets, Rabbits, And Rodents Clinical Medicine And Surgery2003, 11830 Westline Industrial Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63146: Saunders.