i know i was told that Mastitis is very painful and only gets worst if left alone, like she's doing by not letting her litter nurse. i would think of it just like how humans describe it. they say it's like you have the flu. after reading this, i don't think i'd want to go through this, let alone, put my dog through this a second time, if it seems likely that this will be repetitive.
Signs of mastitis include:
* Part or all of the breast is intensely painful, hot, tender, red, and swollen. Some mothers can pinpoint a definite area of inflammation, while at other times the entire breast is tender.
* You feel tired, run down, achy, have chills or think you have the flu. A breastfeeding mother who thinks she has the flu probably has mastitis. Mothers with mastitis will sometimes experience these flu-like symptoms, even before they get a fever or notice breast tenderness.
* You have chills or feel feverish, or your temperature is 101F or higher. These symptoms suggest that you have an infection.
* You are feeling progressively worse, your breasts are growing more tender, and your fever is becoming more pronounced. With simple engorgement, a plugged duct, or mastitis without infection, you gradually feel better instead of worse.
how to fix it, it says
Breastfeed frequently on the affected side. If it hurts to nurse the baby, start the feeding on the breast that is not sore, and switch to the sore side after your milk lets down. Breastfeeding is usually more comfortable when the milk is flowing. It's important to empty the inflamed breast. As in other parts of the body, fluid that is trapped can get infected.
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T022200.asp
