Dog Mammary Swelling

There are two common tumors of the mammary glands and others are rarely found. Of these two,denotation is life-threatening, whereas the other, a mixed tumor,is not, but it is more inconvenient to the dog.

It is often mid that cancer of the mammary gland is caused by the production of milk and the "drying off" process. It is true that when a bitch has ceased to give milk after weaning puppies a lump can some-times be felt in the udder. Possibly there is activity in the breast tissue that encourages development of a tumor. And after a tumor is removed from a bitch, more may grow in new areas of the mammary glands. But if she is spayed, new ones are not apt to develop. If your veterinarian advises spaying your bitch, even though she is not young, you will be wise to trust his or her judgment.

Other types of tumors also grow on and in breasts, but they are rare and you are not likely to see one. Needless to say, a growth anywhere should have prompt attention, and this is especially important in the case of growths in the mammary area.

INJURIES. The mammary gland area is especially vulnerable to injury,particularly during lactation, when it is enlarged. Next to the feet, it is the most likely part of the dog to be torn or cut. Bitches frequently rip their udders on barbed-wire fences as they crawl between the strands or cut their udders on glass or other sharp objects when they crawl under fences.

Such injuries must be sutured carefully after the tissue has been cleaned. Active udders become infected easily. If the blood supply to this organ is cut, it may die and slough out. In that case it is better to leave a wound open and allow the bitch to lick it until she has removed all the dead tissue, after which it may be sutured to promote quicker healing and result in a smaller scar.

A bad bruise of a mammary gland may cause outpouring of blood into a section of the udder. Bacteria may creep up through the teat and cause infection. Abscesses may form, and they must be opened and flushed with medication, which is a job for the veterinarian.

Udder infection enters through nipples, or it may be in the breast before weaning. Such infection is called mastitis, whether it occurs before or after weaning. Udder infection is one of the chief causes of puppy death. Puppies die of infection which can be contracted from infected milk.

When an udder is infected for some time, sections involving several nipples may become inactive. At subsequent lactation periods, only part of the udder will be useful to the puppies. But even with fewer teats, the mother will produce almost as much milk as if she had the mall functioning.

As a home care remedy for dog mammary swelling you must not allow your dog for going out for rigorous exercise. Let her take rest and comfort her. Go for non steroidal and anti inflammatory medication on consultation with a vet doctor. You may also try out warm or cold water compress to reduce the intensity of the swelling.