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My dog's mammary gland is purple. Is it mastitis? Can it wait?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 10 months old | 55 lbs

My dogs mammary gland has turned purple. It is just one. I think she may have scratched it or but it too hard. I think it may be the start to Mastitis, but I’m not sure and I’m scared. Could you tell me if that’s what it is and if she’ll be okay overnight? The soonest I can take her to a animal hospital is in the morning. she’s 10 months old, a husky lab mix, went through her first heat cycle, not spayed, not pregnant or nursing / never has been. I don’t have a lot of $, is there a home remedy?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on November 24th, 2019

Mastitis happens when a dog is nursing puppies, so I don't think it is that. It could be an infection, and as long as Sadie is eating, drinking, and otherwise acting normally, it's fine to wait until the morning to see a vet.

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