Breast swelling in female dogs is a visible sign of inflammation that can be caused by various factors. This does not always mean that the dog is sick, as her breasts increase in size during heat, pregnancy and lactation, which are natural phases that a non-sterilized female can experience. But mammary inflammation can also be associated with certain pathologies, such as canine mastitis.
Does your dog have swollen breasts? Remember that it is essential to consult the veterinarian you trust to rule out any pathological cause and verify the he alth status of your furry dog. However, in this article on our site, we will help you understand why your dog's mammary glands are swollen, presenting the most frequent causes and the possibilities of treatment.
Swollen mammae in bitches during heat
Unspayed females develop a mild swelling of the teats and vulva during their oestrus period. Your breasts may appear more swollen than normal on some days before and during heat The swelling, in general, should not be accompanied by any type of discharge.
It is important to monitor and record your bitch's periods of heat throughout her fertile life. In this way, it will be easier to differentiate the natural bleeding of heat and the swelling of the breasts from a possible picture of hematuria (presence of blood in the urine) accompanied by breast swelling.
Pregnancy and lactation
If your dog had sexual contact with a male during her last fertile period, her swollen breasts may be a symptom of pregnancy. Female mammals undergo major hormonal changes during pregnancy, preparing them for childbirth and lactation. As pregnancy progresses, a bitch's mammary glands swell and enlarge to allow for milk production, and her belly increases to support the growth of her puppies.
A pregnant dog must receive medical monitoring throughout her pregnancy. It is also important to offer her a special diet, with a higher caloric intake and high-quality protein, as well as all the appropriate care to preserve her he alth and that of her puppies.
When it's time to give birth, your furry will be physically and mentally ready to feed her puppies. During the lactation period, your dog's mammary glands and nipples were swollen and enlarged, but this condition improves as weaning time approaches. Many females never get their breasts back to their original size after giving birth. In general, the breasts are larger and more sagging than in females who have never had a pregnancy.
Psychological pregnancy
Pseudo-pregnancy (or psychological pregnancy) is very common among fertile female dogs. In general, the picture appears when a female had sexual contact with a male, but fertilization was not completed. However, can also develop without prior mating
The symptoms of a psychological pregnancy are practically identical to those of a real pregnancy: bitches show swollen breasts, their bellies and nipples increase in size, and their appetite increases. They also usually produce and eliminate whey through their breasts, which is clearer and less thick than breast milk. Therefore, it is not surprising to observe a bitch with swollen breasts after heat, as well as to see that a bitch has milk and is not pregnant. To prevent this from happening, the best option is sterilization, since the prolonged occurrence of psychological pregnancies can lead to the appearance of serious he alth problems. Breeding the dog will not prevent her from experiencing this type of pregnancy again in the future.
Breasts swollen due to allergies
Allergies are abnormal or exaggerated immune reactions that the body develops after contact with certain substances, foods, hormones, products or pathogens. This reaction starts an inflammatory process that can manifest itself topically or spread to other regions of the body, being able to also affect the respiratory system.
If you have used a new product in the hygiene of your furry, it is possible that her breasts have swollen due to an allergic reaction. Also flea bites, some medications and natural substances, such as pollen or mold, can cause a more intense allergic process in sensitive areas such as breasts, eyes and ears. If this is true, your dog may feel very itchy, try to scratch or lick her belly very intensely. In both cases, it is important to stop using any product and take your dog to the vet for some allergy testing.
Injuries or accidents
If your dog has recently had an accident or been hit, her mammary glands may be swollen as a result of the trauma. It is a natural process that allows the recovery of the injured area. In this case, it is most likely that only some of the bitch's mammary glands will be swollen, since a blow usually generates a topical reaction. You may also see a bruise or injury near the swollen region.
Again, we remind you that it is essential to take your dog to the vet to check her he alth status after a blow or an accident
Inflamed breasts in bitches due to mastitis
Mastitis is an infectious process that affects the mammary glands of female dogs and cats in a very similar way, generating a visible inflammation of their teats. In addition to swollen mammary glands, affected females often have great tenderness and pain to the touch in the mammary glands, with the presence of purulent discharge
Generally, mastitis appears at the end of the lactation period or after a pseudo-pregnancy that was not properly treated. The condition progresses rapidly and seriously affects the he alth of the dog, which requires immediate medical attentionIn addition, it is essential to prevent mastitis by offering proper care during pregnancy or in the face of a diagnosis of psychological pregnancy.
Breast neoplasms and cysts
If when you touch your dog's breasts you can feel a lump or strange masses, you should immediately go to the veterinary clinic with your furry dog. An abnormal palpation of a bitch's mammary glands usually reveals mammary cysts or tumors, which may be a symptom of cancer. In both cases, immediate medical attention is essential to carry out the appropriate studies and diagnose the presence of malignant tumors early. Remember that an early diagnosis of breast cancer usually improves the prognosis of the disease.
Other symptoms of mammary swelling in bitches
Usually the most visible sign of mammary swelling in bitches is actually an enlarged mammary gland. However, it is important that tutors know and know how to recognize the other symptoms that may accompany this inflammatory condition. Next, we summarize them to facilitate your knowledge:
- Enlarged nipples.
- Reddening of the nipples or the whole breast.
- Elimination of whey, breast milk (or pseudo milk in case of psychological pregnancy) or pus.
- Tenderness or pain in the breasts or in the abdominal region (the bitch usually shows discomfort and expression of pain when touched).
- Abnormal lumps or masses palpable in the breasts.
For all these reasons, if you notice that your dog has a swollen and red nipple, a swollen nipple or several swollen breasts, Go to the specialistimmediately.
