What is a common sign of mastitis?

Mastitis, which is the inflammation of the mammary glands, often presents with distinctive signs, one of the most notable being a blue or purplish discoloration of the affected breast tissue. This change in coloration occurs due to the compromised blood flow and the presence of inflammation. The blue breast coloration serves as a visual cue that veterinarians and animal caretakers look for when assessing the health of rabbits and other mammals that may be suffering from mastitis.

In this context, other symptoms like abdominal distention, diarrhea, and dyspnea do not typically correlate with mastitis. Abdominal distention is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal issues, diarrhea signals digestive disturbances, and dyspnea pertains to respiratory problems. Therefore, the presence of blue breast coloration is a pivotal indicator of mastitis, demonstrating the condition’s impact on the mammary glands and aiding diagnosis.