Swelling is a main symptom of a mammary gland (breast) infection or mastitis in a dog. Other symptoms of canine breast infections include the breast feeling hot to the touch, dried milk caked to the breasts and fever.
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Types
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According to "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," nursing female dogs can get galactostasis mastitis (or "caked breasts") and any female dogs can get acute septic mastitis.
Causes
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Galactostasis is caused by too much milk irritating the mammary gland and teats. Acute septic mastitis can be caused by bacteria entering into a cut or other injury on the dog's breast or from an existing bodily infection.
Misconception
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"The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms" mentions that breast swelling and becoming hot to the touch may also be signs of false pregnancy and not an infection.
Complications
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According to veterinarian Dr. Douglas Brum, living in dirty conditions will make the swelling and mammary gland infection in dogs much worse. Dogs with short legs also are more likely to get breast infections.
Treatment
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Dogs with galactostasis may be given Lasix to help dry up the milk. Antibiotics, removing the infected milk from the infected breast and warm compresses are used in acute septic mastitis.
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