An unusual gangrenous goat mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli co–infection

Mastitis is considered one of the most important diseases of domestic animals, caused by several etiologic agents. Transmission of the microorganisms primarily occurs by ascendant via in canal of teats, usually involving agents from animals and environmental origin and from milking process (Anderson et al., 2005). Staphylococcus aureus is recognized as the most common causal agent of goat mastitis, followed by minor occurrence of Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica, Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas and Nocardia genera (Bergonier et al., 2003, Radostits et al., 2007), including in Brazil (Megid et al., 1990, Ribeiro et al., 1998).