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Why does my older spayed dog have a swollen nipple with lumps?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 7 years and 8 months old | 50 lbs

Large swollen nipple on female dog aged 7.5. Spayed after 1 heat. 2 large marble sized lumps underneath the skin around it.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on August 19th, 2017

These could be mammary tumors even if she was spayed after her first heat. Please take her in for an exam. The veterinarian will feel the lumps and check the nipple. They can do a needle aspirate to see if it is infection or cancer. Breast cancer in dogs can be slow growing and often can be cured with surgery. They may recommend an X-ray to make sure there are no growths in her chest or abdomen before surgery. A biopsy of the lumps will also tell what it is and if it has been completely removed. If there is infection in the nipple area they will put Zephyr on antibiotics. Please have this examined soon so she can get the necessary treatment and be on the road to recovery. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Zephyr.

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