Mastitis. Mastitis is inflammation and infection in a mammary gland. It's a very painful condition that causes swelling, redness, and often discharge from the nipple. Mastitis is most common in lactating dogs, and those having a phantom pregnancy.
One would expect their female dog to produce milk after she has had puppies. Female dogs can produce milk that is secreted by their nipples, as any female mammal can. But dogs may even produce milk—or what looks like milk—through their nipples when they are not pregnant and have not recently given birth.
The most important factor is pregnancy. Some people may think that a dog will only lactate after they have given birth. However, pregnant female dogs can start the lactation process a few days or even a week before they give birth to their litter. In these cases, the discharge will be of a clear or milky consistency.
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of the heat cycle of the intact female dog.
Although uncommon, mastitis can occur in female dogs who are not pregnant but have false pregnancies. Mastitis is generally classified as acute (quick onset) or chronic (slow onset) and may affect one or multiple mammary glands.
The affected mammary gland may appear dark purple or black in color, as the tissues begin to die off due to overwhelming infection and decreased blood supply. Affected dogs may become lethargic, develop a fever, refuse to eat, or begin vomiting as the infection enters the bloodstream and they develop signs of sepsis.
Mastitis treatment
Sometimes breast infections go away on their own. If you notice you have symptoms of mastitis, try the following: Breastfeed on the affected side every 2 hours, or more frequently. This will keep your milk flowing and prevent your breast from getting too full of milk.
Discharge. A small amount of odorless, clear discharge can be entirely normal for your female dog. If they're not neutered, you might notice that the amount and type of discharge vary at different times in their cycle too. During their season, you'll also see some pink or bloody discharge.
Most female dogs who go into heat will bleed, typically a week or so after the vulva begins to swell. Discharge can range from white to pink to deep red and bleeding will typically last for about 10 days.
The dog estrous cycle is made up of four stages. These are the proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. The proestrus is the most obvious stage, while the other stages are more subtle.
A change in a dog's nipples is among the most typical indicators that the animal is pregnant. Usually, two to three weeks after conception, this shift is visible. The nipples may look slightly larger, pinker, and deeper in color than usual, especially those nearest to the dog's hind legs.
During a false pregnancy in dogs, the dog's mammary glands may swell and may even produce milk. You may see the milk leaking or be able to express it by massaging them. This, however, is not recommended because they will only produce more if milk is expressed manually.
The fall of progesterone triggers a rise in prolactin, a mammary-stimulating hormone. It's normal for dogs at this stage to have swollen nipples, even when there is no pregnancy.
A small amount of yellowish-white or even slightly green-tinged discharge can collect around the opening to a dog's prepuce. This is called smegma and is normal. The canine penis is rigid even when not erect due to the presence of a bone called the “os penis.”
At first, the discharge is very bloody, but it thins to become watery and pinker in color as the days pass. A female dog in heat will often urinate more frequently than normal or may develop marking behavior in which she urinates small amounts on various objects either in the home or when out on a walk.
He is trying to look out for you, you know. Even though it is natural for Duke to be attracted to your genitals, it could be an annoying habit that you want to nip in the bud. If this is the case, there are ways to control this innate need for dogs to sniff private parts.
If your dog is pregnant, you may notice the following signs. A slight mucus discharge may occur around one month after mating. Her teats may become more prominent in colour and size around 30 days after mating, and you may also see them produce a semi-clear fluid.
Heat usually lasts between 2-4 weeks. Early in the cycle, a female dog may not be receptive to male dogs, although some are receptive through the entire cycle. It can be shorter or longer and you'll know the cycle is over when all her vulva returns to its normal size and there's no more bleeding or discharge.
Seeking medical help for mastitis and blocked ducts
Alternatively, massaging the nipple and feeding the baby can help to burst the blister. “Sometimes a toothpaste-like substance can be squeezed out from the affected nipple. The duct will be unblocked once this substance is completely squeezed out,” says Ms Pang.
Inflammatory breast cancer is often confused with an infection of the breast (mastitis).
Mastitis that isn't adequately treated or that is due to a blocked duct can cause a collection of pus (abscess) to develop in your breast. An abscess usually requires surgical drainage. To avoid this complication, talk to your doctor as soon as you develop signs or symptoms of mastitis.
The condition can quickly progress from a mild infection in one gland to an abscess in the gland or even a fatal systemic illness1. Because of this, it's crucial to bring your dog to the vet as soon as you notice any symptoms of mastitis.
In these early stages, the dam may not show any overt signs of illness and may show only minimal discomfort. As mastitis progresses, the affected mammary glands become increasingly swollen and inflamed, discolored (frequently red or purple), and very painful. In severe cases, the dam can become very ill.