My unspayed female dog has crusty, leaking nipples. What's wrong?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 6th, 2018

  Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Boo! If Boo had a heat recently she could be experiencing a false pregnancy. This is when there is a hormonal imbalance and her body THINKS she is pregnant when she isn't. The mammary glands can become enlarged and produce milk, they can act anxious, needy or nest and carry toys around like babies. If she is having a false pregnancy she can get an infection in her mammary gland (mastitis). Other possibilities are tumors that are inflamed and infected in her mammary glands. Because the skin in red and the glands are leaking fluid, sore, red and are swollen I recommend having your Vet take a look and see is she needs antibiotics. They can also tell if she has masses in her breasts. I hope this helps and I wish Boo the very best!

  

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  Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 31st, 2019

  Hello. If this is a false pregnancy, there really is nothing much you can do at home. Unless you are going to use her for breeding, spaying will prevent this from happening again, but if you do not want to spay her, this will not cause any loss in fertility if you decide to breed her in the future. If her symptoms are mild, it is best not to do anything at all, as any stimulation of the nipples by applying warm compresses or wrapping them to prevent milk leakage will just stimulate more swelling & milk production. If she is licking herself, you may need to put a cone or E collar on her. If she really seems to be uncomfortable or there is a lot of leakage, sometimes we will treat these dogs with diuretics or even hormones. So, see how she does & see your vet if the situation worsens. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful