Agalactia, a medical term referring to the inability to produce milk after giving birth, is spelled as [æɡəlækʃə] in English. The initial sound is a short "a" pronounced as [æ], followed by a hard "g" [ɡ]. The third and fourth syllables are combined, with a "lac" sound pronounced [læk], and the word ends with an "sh" sound spelled as "tia" [ʃə]. In proper medical terminology, it is essential to use appropriate phonetics to ensure a clear communication between medical professionals.
Agalactia refers to the medical condition characterized by the failure or insufficient production of milk in female mammals, particularly in cows, goats, and other lactating animals. Derived from the Greek words "a-" meaning absence or lack and "galaktos" meaning milk, it literally means the lack of milk secretion.
In veterinary medicine, agalactia commonly occurs after parturition, and it can be classified into two types: primary and secondary agalactia. Primary agalactia refers to the condition wherein the mammal fails to produce milk due to inherent or genetic abnormalities. On the other hand, secondary agalactia is often caused by factors such as hormonal imbalances, stress, or mastitis. It can also be induced by inadequate nutrition or poor husbandry practices.
Agalactia can have severe repercussions for both the lactating animal and their offspring. Nursing young animals depend on the milk for their nourishment, growth, and immunity to diseases. Therefore, insufficient milk production can result in stunted growth, malnutrition, decreased disease resistance, and even mortality in newborns. In addition, agalactia can lead to economic losses for farmers and breeders due to reduced milk production and weakened reproductive performance.
Treatment and management of agalactia often involve identifying and addressing the underlying cause. This may include addressing hormonal imbalances, improving nutrition, implementing proper hygiene practices, and providing appropriate medical interventions if necessary. In some cases, supplemental feeding or artificial milk substitutes may be used to ensure the adequate nutrition and survival of the offspring.
Absence of milk in the breasts after childbirth.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "agalactia" is derived from the ancient Greek word "agalaktos", combining the prefix "a-" meaning "without" or "not", and "galaktos" meaning "milk". Thus, "agalactia" refers to the condition of not producing or inadequately producing milk, typically used to describe the inability of a mammal, particularly a lactating mother, to secrete milk.