MAMMARY GLAND SWELLING (NON-REPRODUCTIVE / HORMONAL)
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Mammary swelling outside heat cycles can reflect hormonal imbalance, false pregnancy, or tumors—especially in unspayed females.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• False pregnancy
MEDICAL
• Mammary hyperplasia
• Early mammary tumor
• Hormone imbalance
• Cystic changes
• Mastitis (even without nursing)
EMERGENCY
• Infected mammary gland
• Rapid swelling
• Ulceration
RED FLAGS
• Heat, redness, pain
• Discharge
• Hard, fixed lumps
• If unsure, treat as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE
• Warm compress (if mild)
• Prevent licking
These do not replace vet care.
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Cytology
• Ultrasound
• Hormone levels
• Biopsy if needed
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Mammary tumor
• Mastitis
• False pregnancy
• Hormonal imbalance
WHEN TO SCHEDULE
• Today: pain or fever
• 1 week: mild swelling
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Early detection of mammary tumors dramatically increases survival.
LONGEVITY CONSULT
Strongly recommended for unspayed females or pets with hormonal imbalance.