Nipple Discharge in Dogs: When is it Normal and When is it Pathological.

Are nipple discharges normal in dogs during pregnancy

Such discharges are considered normal before giving birth when the animal is ready to nurse. This is how lactation begins: the production of milk to feed the litter. The special name for these discharges is colostrum, it is medium in thickness (not liquid), white or transparent with a white hue. If a dog is giving birth for the first time, colostrum appears right before or immediately after birth. And bitches with puppies can start lactating as early as 30-40 days into pregnancy. Therefore, nipple discharges during pregnancy are normal, not a pathology.

Why are brown discharges coming from the nipple

This color indicates the presence of blood in the discharges. The reasons may be:

infection in the ducts;
mechanical injuries;
even oncology. Regardless of whether the dog is nursing or not, it is worth consulting a veterinarian. Alarming symptoms include: pain, when the mother runs away from hungry puppies, swelling, asymmetrical hard formations, an unpleasant odor of brown discharges. If it is an infection, antibiotics are prescribed. Then feeding the puppies will have to be stopped and switched to manual bottle feeding. Injuries, especially in nursing bitches, are normal: puppies can bite the nipple. They heal on their own in a few days. But if the discharges increase, their color intensifies, the bitch becomes lethargic, apathetic, whines - show her to the vet. Blood in the discharges can also be caused by papillomas in the ducts and ectasia. In these cases, a comprehensive approach is necessary: treatment with medications and sometimes surgical intervention. Duct removal is performed using nanosurgical methods, the operation itself is short and completely safe.

Yellow discharges from the nipples: main reasons

In this color, the discharge is colored with pus. Two main diseases: mastitis and breast cancer. Mastitis is caused by bacteria, symptoms include:

swelling;
increased body temperature;
redness;
pain. With mastitis, fluid is sometimes discharged in large quantities, traces are visible on the floor, bedding, etc. An examination of the fluid is mandatory. Then a course of treatment with antibiotics is prescribed, maintaining the cleanliness of the mammary gland and nipple. If the disease is left untreated, the gland will swell to large sizes, become heterogeneous, and very painful. And this directly threatens the life of the pet. Oncology is manageable if detected at early stages, before metastasis. The main symptoms of malignancy include:
solid tumors that merge with the body tissues;
different in temperature;
painful;
yellow or bloody pus discharges from the nipple;
enlarged lymph nodes. Today, dogs are treated with all available methods: radiation therapy, chemotherapy. If it turns out that the tumor is benign, it is surgically removed without negative consequences for health.

Transparent discharges from a dog's nipples between heats

Indicates false pregnancy. This is a condition in which a bitch behaves psychologically and physically as if pregnant. Her mammary glands swell, she builds a nest, may consider soft toys as puppies, etc. False pregnancy often occurs in unsterilized adult dogs that have never given birth. How to deal with the condition:

put the dog on a strict diet;
remove soft toys;
walk more and increase activity. Then the condition and discharges pass on their own. If you do not plan to breed the pet, have it sterilized. It helps to avoid hormonal fluctuations and false pregnancy, which can be uncomfortable. Often, such bitches become aggressive, defending their imaginary puppies. Not only white discharges from the nipples are considered normal. For example, the same colostrum can be slightly yellowish, but this is not a pathology. Therefore, when diagnosing, consider the age, condition of the pet, and overall well-being. Remember that with timely treatment, even cancer can be overcome.