[GribinIsaf]

We have a Saddleback sow due to farrow in a week's time.  It is her third litter, although the first with us.  Noticed today that one of her first teats has lumpy material behind it.  Does not feel hot and inflamed nor does it appear painful when squeezed.  Not sure how long it has been like this as she has just moved into farrowing quarters and the mud in her previous enclosure meant examination and tummy rubs were not as easy.  Can a sow have mastitis before lactating.  Any thoughts or advice very welcome.  Thank you.

[MarthaR]

Often sows who have had several litters have slightly odd looking teats which may look more obvious as they 'bag up'. But I haven't found that translates to them not working well as teats. Just keep an eye on when she farrows that it's producing milk
Martha

[GribinIsaf]

Often sows who have had several litters have slightly odd looking teats which may look more obvious as they 'bag up'. But I haven't found that translates to them not working well as teats. Just keep an eye on when she farrows that it's producing milk

Thank you for the reassurance Martha.  Yes, proof will be when she starts feeding.  Stephen

[Pigsmightfry]

If she had mastitis in that part of the udder it would feel like a hard lump above the teat, if it's still soft it's unlikely to mastitis.
Keep an eye on it when the piglets arrive and start suckling, make sure milk is passing ok and the piglets are not making it sore, if both of these are ok she should be ok.

[GribinIsaf]

The lumps are fairly hard the message I am getting is that intervention is not needed at this point - will monitor things when milk production starts.  Thank you for your support.

[Marches Farmer]

If she had a problem at the end of her last lactation it may show up again this time around.  I suggest checking and stripping out that teat once she's farrowed and comparing the milk with that of a teat you believe to be healthy.  If it looks, thin, watery, lumpy or smelly speak to your vet.