SWOLLEN MAMMARY GLANDS (NON-LACTATING)
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Swollen mammary glands in a non-lactating pet signal hormonal imbalance, false pregnancy, mastitis, or mammary tumor.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Mild false pregnancy swelling
MEDICAL
• Mastitis
• Mammary tumor
• Ovarian remnant
• Hormonal hyperplasia
EMERGENCY
• Mastitis with fever
• Rapid painful swelling
• Ulcerated gland
RED FLAGS
• Heat, redness, or pain
• Discharge
• Weight loss
• Hard or fixed lumps
• If unsure, treat as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE
• Warm compresses (unless painful)
• Prevent licking
Not a replacement for diagnostics.
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Mammary exam
• Ultrasound
• Cytology
• Hormone testing
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Mastitis
• Tumor
• False pregnancy
• Ovarian remnant
WHEN TO SCHEDULE
• Today: painful swelling
• 1 week: mild, non-painful swelling
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Mammary tumors significantly reduce lifespan—early detection is critical.
LONGEVITY CONSULT
Recommended for any mammary gland changes in intact females.