>Date: Mon, 15 Jul 1996 15:40:36 -0500
>X-Sender: [log in to unmask]
>To: [log in to unmask]
>From: [log in to unmask] (Edward Newton, M.D.)
>Subject: Re: does pus in milk clot up and form clumps?
>
>Barbara,
>    I did a quick search of the  dairy literature. In summary:
>1) Experimental mastitis increases flow rate by 25% in cattle.
>2) Infused endotoxin(10 mcg into two homolateral quarters) causes increased
>milkfat content, increased protein, and decreased lactose .
> Overall milk production was decreased. Similar effects are seen with IV
>infusion of 100mcg endotoxin.
>3)Higher pre-innoculation flow rates are associated with increased risk of
>mastitis(12 fold).
>4)Characteristics of the mechanical pump(impact and no pulsation) are
>associated with a greater likihood of infection.
>5) Infected milk has higher amounts of free fatty acids suggesting that it
>is susceptable to spontaneous and induced lipolysis.There appears to be a
>preferential increase in long chain FFA's.
>6) The yield or breastmilk content of cattle destined to develop E. coli
>mastitis are no different than controls.
>       Human implications are speculation. Subclinical infection affects
>the chemical make-up of breastmilk. Is it more likely to coagulate??
>High flow rates( over-abdundant milk supply) may be a sign rather than a
>cause of mastitis in some women. Breast pumps by their mechanical
>characteristics need to be studied in relationship their benefit in
mastitis RX.
>                    Ed

Cathy Genna.  Hope you haven't left on vacation yet.  We need to think about
this info.  Anybody got any insights on the pump zinger?  Mechanical as in
not pulsatile?  Also that idea that in cows the increased flow rate is
perhaps a sign rather than a cause of mastitis really stopped me.  It truly
goes to show how little we know and how many assumptions there are to be
challanged and explored.
Barbara Wilson-Clay, BSE, IBCLC
priv. pract. Austin, Tx
Owner LACTNEWS On-Line (the Conference Page)
http://moontower.com/bwc/lactnews.html