Signs of Mastitis in Dogs

Female dogs have 10 breasts located on their bellies in between the forelegs and the hind legs. Male dogs also have breasts but rarely get mastitis. Mastitis is an infection of the breasts that usually happens to nursing mother dogs. Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook says that one type of mastitis can happen to female dogs experiencing false pregnancy.

Types

The two types of canine mastitis are galactostasis or "caked breasts" and acute septic mastitis. The first type is caused by milk leaking out over the breasts and drying on until it turns into a crust. The second type occurs when a cut or scratch on the breast has not healed properly and bacterial infection has lodged itself in the breast. Both need prompt medical attention.

Identification

In both types of canine mastitis, the breasts will be swollen and hot to the touch. The dog may wince or yelp when the breasts are touched. Milk will be still be flowing, but may be discolored yellow or contain flecks of blood or pus. Sometimes the milk will look like solid threads and sometimes the milk will look normal. Female dogs with false pregnancy often lick their breasts, which stimulates milk flow.

Time Frame

Signs of caked breasts in dogs can start late in pregnancy or during a false pregnancy if the breasts fill up with milk and drip. It can happen whenever the dog's milk begins to flow and there aren't any puppies to drink it. Mother dogs with small litters may develop caked breasts. Acute septic mastitis can happen any time after the puppies are whelped.

Other Symptoms

If the dog has caked breasts, she will usually show no other symptoms. But the dog will show other symptoms if she has acute septic mastitis. According to The Veterinarian's Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms, these signs include reddening of the breasts, fever and lethargy.

Misconception

According to Dr. Douglas Brum, who writes on PetPlace.com, the symptoms of mastitis in dogs are similar to symptoms of canine breast tumors. Dr. Brum adds that breast tumors are more common in dogs over 6 years old. Both conditions are serious and need prompt medical attention. The dog may be first tested for breast tumors before being tested for mastitis.