It’s common for nursing dog moms to experience some firmness or swelling in their mammary glands. This is often normal as the mammary glands prepare to produce milk. However, in some cases, hard or swollen breasts can indicate an underlying health issue that requires veterinary attention.
This article will examine the most common causes of hard or swollen mammary glands in nursing dogs. We’ll cover normal changes, mastitis, tumors, milk letdown issues, and weaning. You’ll learn how to identify when hard breasts may signal a more serious problem needing a vet visit. We’ll also summarize benign causes you may be able to treat at home along with tips for prevention.
Normal Canine Mammary Glands
Canine mammary glands are located on the underside of female dogs between the front and back legs. Female dogs normally have 5 pairs of mammary glands, although some may have more. When not producing milk, normal canine mammary glands should be soft and pliable. Healthy mammary glands contain glandular tissue composed of alveoli (acini) and ducts surrounded by fat and connective tissue. The texture resembles “a bag of marbles” that can be easily moved under the skin when gentle pressure is applied (1). Normal inactive mammary glands should not feel overly firm, hard, or immobile.
(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7158309/
Mammary Gland Hyperplasia
Mammary gland hyperplasia is a benign condition characterized by an overgrowth of normal mammary gland cells, causing the glands to become abnormally large and firm. It is very common in intact female dogs, especially while lactating or during estrus cycles when hormones cause changes in the mammary tissue. The excess tissue typically develops as diffuse enlargement throughout multiple glands or as small, well-defined nodules (source).
The hyperplastic tissue itself is benign and not pre-cancerous. However, hyperplasia makes it difficult to detect new mammary tumors by physical exam alone. Frequent monitoring is important to identify any suspicious lumps or changes that could indicate cancer (source). Spaying a dog is recommended to remove the influence of hormones and prevent recurring mammary hyperplasia.
Explain that hyperplasia is overgrowth of cells, making glands abnormally large and firm. Very common in lactating dogs.
Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary glands and is a common cause of enlarged, hardened breasts in nursing dogs. It is most often caused by a bacterial infection that enters through cracks or wounds in the skin of the nipples. The most common bacteria responsible are Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, E. coli, and Pasteurella.
Symptoms of mastitis include hot, red, swollen, and painful mammary glands. The mother dog may be reluctant to let the puppies nurse due to discomfort. She may also have a fever, loss of appetite, and lethargy. In severe cases, abscesses may form in the glands.
Mastitis should be treated aggressively with antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian to prevent the infection from worsening. Warm compresses can help reduce pain and swelling. Puppies may need supplemental feeding if the mother dog is unable to nurse comfortably. Severe or recurrent cases may require surgical draining of abscesses and/or removal of glandular tissue. Prompt treatment is key to minimizing complications.
To help prevent mastitis, the mother dog’s mammary glands should be checked often for signs of infection, especially if the puppies’ nursing is painful for her. Keeping the environment and bedding clean helps reduce bacterial exposure as well. Letting the mother dog get adequate rest is also important to avoid mastitis associated with overwork and stress.
Sources:
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mastitis-in-dogs
Mammary Tumors
One of the most common causes of firm, lumpy tissue in a dog’s mammary glands is mammary tumors. Mammary tumors develop from the abnormal replication of cells in the mammary glands and breast tissue. According to the VCA Animal Hospitals, roughly 50% of mammary tumors in dogs are malignant (cancerous) [1].
There are several types of canine mammary tumors. Adenomas are benign while carcinomas are malignant. Carcinomas account for at least 41% of all canine mammary tumors according to the North Carolina State University Veterinary Hospital [2]. Other types include benign mixed tumors, malignant mixed tumors, and sarcomas.
Symptoms of mammary tumors include firm, movable lumps under the skin of the mammary glands. There may be swelling, reddening, ulceration, or discharge from the nipple. Dogs may exhibit signs of illness if metastasis has occurred.
It’s extremely important to have any lumps or changes in the mammary glands evaluated by a veterinarian. They will perform tests such as fine needle aspirates, biopsies, or imaging to determine if the lump is malignant. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.
Milk Letdown Issues
Milk letdown is the process by which milk moves from the alveoli through the mammary ducts to the nipple for nursing puppies. This process is triggered by oxytocin release when the puppies nurse. If there is improper milk letdown, milk can accumulate in the mammary glands leading them to feel overly firm or hard.
Some potential causes of improper milk letdown include stress, poor nursing technique by the puppies, udder infection (mastitis), or primary conditions inhibiting oxytocin release. The buildup of milk leads to engorgement and discomfort. It can also increase the risk of mastitis or milk fever if not addressed.
To improve milk letdown, the mother dog should be kept in a stress-free environment. Ensuring the puppies are properly latched and nursing frequently can facilitate the letdown reflex. In some cases, oxytocin supplementation may be used under veterinary guidance. Gentle massage of the mammary glands can also help loosen the accumulated milk.
If improper milk letdown persists, it’s important to have the dog examined by a vet to check for mastitis, systemic illness, or other underlying causes that need treatment. Catching it early and ensuring proper emptying of the mammary glands is key to both the mother dog’s health and her puppies’ nutrition.
Weaning
The natural weaning process as puppies stop nursing can lead to engorgement and firmness of the mammary glands as milk accumulates. This occurs because the puppies are nursing less but the mother dog’s body is still producing a large amount of milk. According to an article on wagwalking.com, gradual weaning is recommended to allow the mother dog’s milk production to decrease naturally along with the puppies’ nursing. Abruptly separating puppies from the mother can cause her breasts to become painfully engorged.
As puppies naturally wean over 4-8 weeks, the mother dog’s breasts will likely feel fuller and firmer at first. This is normal as long as the breasts are not hot, inflamed, or infected. Gentle massage and warm compresses can help relieve engorgement during weaning. Allowing puppies to nurse on demand rather than on a schedule can also help avoid engorgement. Within a week or two after weaning is complete, the mother dog’s breasts should return to normal.
It’s important to monitor the mother dog closely during weaning and contact your veterinarian if you notice signs of mastitis such as fever, pus, or foul odor. With prompt treatment, mastitis is usually manageable. But left untreated, it can lead to serious complications.
When to See the Vet
There are some situations where you should take your nursing dog to the vet if you notice changes in her mammary glands. According to VCA Hospitals, it is advisable to see your vet if the mammary glands are swollen, painful, hot, or discharging fluid or pus. You should also visit the vet if you notice any lumps or masses in the mammary tissue. Redness and firmness of the tissue can also be signs of mastitis that warrant veterinary attention.
The Wag Walking article states that mastitis often presents with firm, painful mammary glands. The skin may become red and the nipples can leak pus or bloody discharge. Dogs with mastitis often act lethargic and lose their appetite. They may neglect their puppies. These signs mean it’s crucial to visit the vet for diagnosis and treatment.
In summary, see your vet promptly if you notice swelling, pain, heat, redness, skin changes, abnormal discharge, lumps, lethargy, or lack of nursing behavior in a dog with firm mammary glands. These could indicate mastitis or other medical conditions needing veterinary care.
Treating Benign Causes
If the vet determines the cause of the firm breasts is benign, such as simple inflammation or mastitis, they will likely recommend conservative treatment options first:
Observation – The vet may suggest simply monitoring the breasts for changes over a few days, as some mild inflammation and engorgement can resolve on its own. Gentle massage and applying warm compresses can help encourage milk flow and drainage to relieve pressure.
Massage – The vet may recommend gently massaging the breasts to help relieve swelling and encourage milk drainage. This should be done carefully to avoid damaging breast tissue.
Anti-inflammatories – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like carprofen or meloxicam may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and discomfort (see https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mastitis-in-dogs).
If conservative treatment is not effective at reducing swelling and discomfort, the vet may consider antibiotic therapy or further diagnostic tests to determine if there is an underlying infection or condition causing the firm breasts.
Conclusions
In summary, there are several possible reasons why a nursing dog’s breast may become hard, including normal changes, benign conditions like hyperplasia or mastitis, and more serious causes like mammary tumors. It’s important to monitor your dog’s mammary glands regularly during nursing and weaning for any changes in size, shape, or hardness. While some hardening can be normal, it’s best to have your vet examine any significant or persistent changes. They can determine if biopsy or treatment is needed. Don’t ignore or delay seeking attention for breast changes in a nursing dog. Being alert and proactive allows the best chance for successful treatment. Providing excellent nutrition, limiting chemical exposures, and spaying after her breeding years may help reduce cancer risks. With prompt veterinary care for any concerns, you can continue enjoying many happy, healthy years with your cherished canine companion.
