What are the causes for pinkish colouration of milk and urine in animals?

Pinkish colouration of milk and urine in animals can be caused by several factors:

1. Blood in Milk (Pink Milk):

- Mastitis: Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland, often caused by bacterial infections. It can lead to the leakage of red blood cells into the milk, resulting in a pinkish discoloration.

- Trauma: Physical injuries to the udder or teat can cause blood vessels to rupture, leading to blood contamination of the milk.

- Advanced Pregnancy: In late pregnancy, some animals may experience leakage of bloody fluid from the teats before giving birth.

2. Blood in Urine (Pink Urine):

- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs caused by bacteria or inflammation can lead to bleeding within the urinary tract, resulting in pinkish urine.

- Kidney Disease: Certain kidney diseases, such as glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis, can damage the filtering units in the kidneys, allowing red blood cells to leak into the urine.

- Trauma: Injury to the kidneys, bladder, or urethra can cause internal bleeding, which can manifest as pinkish urine.

- Certain Medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics or anticoagulants, can cause urine discoloration as a side effect.

3. Mycotoxins:

- Consumption of certain types of moldy feed or mycotoxins produced by fungi can cause pinkish discolouration of milk and urine, especially in livestock.

4. Plant Pigments:

- Ingestion of plants containing certain pigments, such as beets or berries, can sometimes impart a pinkish hue to urine.

5. Diet:

- In some cases, changes in diet or the introduction of certain foods can temporarily alter the colour of urine, making it appear pinkish.

It's important to note that pinkish colouration of milk or urine does not always indicate a severe medical condition, but it can be a sign of underlying health issues. If you observe persistent pinkish discolouration in an animal's bodily fluids, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.