What is Mammary Gland Enlargement?
While female cats are far more susceptible to these problems, nipple and mammary gland swelling is sometimes seen in male cats as well. A female who is intact is more at risk than a female that is spayed. If unusual mammary gland swelling is noticed while a cat is nursing kittens, veterinary attention may be needed for the kittens along with the mother as the infection can easily spread between the two.
Nipple and mammary swelling are the outside manifestations of mammary gland enlargement. Most cats have eight nipples, and in the case of enlargement or inflammation, one or more nipples may be affected. Normal events in a female cat’s life can lead to the swelling of mammary tissue, such as pregnancy and lactation. However, many infections and other conditions which can be life-threatening also create mammary gland enlargement.
Mammary Gland Enlargement Average Cost
From 433 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,400
Average Cost
$600
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
Symptoms of Mammary Gland Enlargement in Cats
Generally, when the condition is abnormal and needs treatment, multiple signs may arise.
- Swelling of the nipples or mammary tissue
- Painful nipples
- Redness
- Discharge from nipples
- Ulceration of the nipples and breast
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Edema of the skin on hind legs
- Refusal to nurse (if female with kittens)
- Sick kittens (if nursing)
Causes of Mammary Gland Enlargement in Cats
Besides the normal cause of pregnancy, enlarged mammary glands can be the sign of a bigger internal issue in the cat. A veterinarian is best at determining the exact cause of the swelling, which will lead to a faster diagnosis and treatment for the cat. Causes include:
- Pregnancy
- Mastitis (mammary gland infection while lactating)
- Galactostasis (milk collection in mammary gland while weaning)
- Feline Mammary Hypertrophy (benign masses)
- Mammary cancer
- Mammary Hyperplasia (from high levels of progesterone)
Diagnosis of Mammary Gland Enlargement in Cats
A veterinarian will need the cat’s full medical history upon arrival at the clinic. A physical exam will be performed in which the nipples and mammary tissue will be closely examined for signss that match with mammary gland conditions. Some issues may not be serious and might resolve on their own, while other conditions can be life-threatening.
A range of diagnostic testing might be done, generally starting with blood work. This may include a complete blood count and a biochemical profile. A biopsy of the enlarged tissue may be taken for further microscopic evaluation (a histopathological examination). Chest and abdominal X-rays may be needed to check for tumor location and pinpoint any metastasizing (spreading). Urinalysis can be used to confirm and identify any bacteria present in the cat.
Treatment of Mammary Gland Enlargement in Cats
There are a variety of treatments available, depending on the condition present. If the cat is dealing with an infection (as in the cases of mastitis), this can be a medical emergency. Immediate attention is needed to stabilize the cat enough to receive treatment.
Mastitis
Treatment for mastitis includes an antibiotic prescription to clear up any infection and painkillers to help the cat endure the pain associated with this condition. Your veterinarian may also recommend that you apply a warm compress periodically to help with drainage.
Mammary Cancer
This type of cancer is very aggressive and often spreads. It usually occurs in multiple nipples at once. The surgical removal of affected glands (mastectomy) is recommended, especially if the cancer is in its early stages. If the cat is not a good surgical candidate, chemotherapy may be the only treatment option.
Feline Mammary Hypertrophy
Advised treatment for this condition is a full spay (ovariohysterectomy). While these surgeries are more routine, if the cat is suffering from poor overall health, the procedure can be very taxing.
Mammary Hyperplasia
To alleviate this issue, removal of the source of progesterone is needed. This generally leads to an ovariohysterectomy. If ulceration of the glands has occurred, glands may be removed if the cat is stable enough. Painkillers will be prescribed to help the cat get through the days after the surgery.
Pregnancy or Galactostasis
Both of these causes of mammary gland enlargement will resolve on their own with time.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Recovery of Mammary Gland Enlargement in Cats
If the underlying condition is mammary cancer, overall prognosis is guarded. This cancer has a high tendency to spread throughout the body, most commonly to the lymph nodes, liver, kidneys, lungs and adrenal glands. If the cancer is caught early and the tumor found is less than 2cm in diameter, surgical removal offers a much higher survival rate than in more advanced cases.
If the cat has received a mastectomy or an ovariohysterectomy, signs of infection need to be watched for. Abide by all recommended at-home care from your vet. A post-surgical clinic visit is often required to allow the veterinarian to check that the healing process is happening successfully. With many of these conditions, spontaneous remissions can occur.
Mammary Gland Enlargement Average Cost
From 433 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,400
Average Cost
$600
Top
Mammary Gland Enlargement Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Calico
Nine Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Nipple Bump
I was holding my cat today and noticed that one of her nipples was larger than the others and had a round darkly cold spot attached to the end. I have just noticed this and I’m really worried, please advise me!
July 19, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Calico cats do have different pigments than other cats, and the dark spot may be normal for her. If you think the the nipple is larger and that is a new thing, it would be a good idea to have a veterinarian look at it, as cats can get infections and tumors of the mammary glands.
I hope that all goes well for her!
July 19, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Calico cat
Two Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Mastitis
My cat had a litter of kittens in January 2020 and we kept two of them.... then she snuck out of the house and got pregnant again, but we already scheduled an appt to spay her. After the spay she started producing milk and the previous litter of kittens we kept have been nursing on her. Now one of her nipples is very swollen like she has mastitis possibly? Should she be seen by the vet? She’s been acting fine. She lets them nurse. I cant Keep them away from her 24/7
July 12, 2020
Answered by Dr. Ellen M. DVM
0 Recommendations
Hello, thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear that your cat has swelling of her mammary gland.
Without examining your cat, it is very hard to know for sure what might be going on. What you describe could be certainly be consistent with mastitis, and that usually does need medical treatment.
I recommend that you allow the kittens to nurse, even if she does have swelling of that gland. Keeping them from nursing could lead to mastitis in other mammary glands as well. I recommend that you schedule an appointment to have her seen by her vet as soon as possible, as it's probably painful, and treatment should help with that.
I hope that your cat starts feeling better soon!
July 12, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Housecat
Falkor
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Abdomen
Soooo, my cat recently, overnight, bloated as if she were pregnant. Also has swelling in her breasts, BUT one of the swollen spots is not on nipple, more on her sternum, and has increased in size over the last week. I took her to the vet last week, they said it was probably hormonal and sent her home, no testing, no medication, and now, the spot on her sternum is LARGE and way more firm than it was when originally checked out. The vet also said she was not pregnant but I’m pretty sure she is.....
Sept. 4, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Siamese
Momo
One Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Taken From Her Kittens Early
Hello there,
I just adopted a cat from the shelter yesterday. The area around her nipples is swollen on all of them. She was just recently spayed so they obviously had to shave the area and her belly kind of looks like a brain. It's not red, it's a light pink color and she doesn't seem in pain. e/d/u/d wnl. I was told that the issue would resolve itself but I don't see any discharge so I'm not entirely sure how exactly this is supposed to resolve itself. I have been putting a warm compress on her belly twice a day. If you could maybe explain what I should expect to see as it "resolves itself" if there is no drainage.
Aug. 31, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Mix breed
Mary
3 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen Nipple,
Hello, i have just noticed that my nursing cat has a prettt swollen nipple, when the kitten goes to feed she just meows and then gets up. It is too late at night to go to a vet and I am very concerned for her and the kitten. Is there absolutly anything I can do for them until i can get to a vet clinic?
Aug. 24, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Mary, I cannot say whether there is mastitis or anything else in the affected nipple; you should discourage nursing from that nipple and apply a warm compress to the area if it is causing discomfort. Once your Veterinarian opens, visit there in the morning to determine what the cause is. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 24, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Cat
Oyen
12 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen
Black Nipple
Hi, my cat just had her kittens 3 weeks ago. There's only 4 of her nipples the kitten will drink and all four of her nipples slowly become swollen and have white discharge. Now, her nipples become black. She doesn't has any problem in feeding the kittens. Also her appetite doesn't change.
mixed bobtail
stubby
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Swollen And Painful Nipples
Hi Everyone! So my cat had her kitten's about 4 weeks ago, and just this morning i went to check on them and i didn't see my cat. i looked for her and fund her moaning in the dirt with a few fire ants on her. i went to pick her up and she cried out in pain, so i put her down,i looked at her stomach and saw one of her nipples are about the size of a ping pong ball,she refuses to eat and will only drink water,she wont nurse the kittens,and she moves at an extremely slow pace. i consider her a child to me and im very worried and i wish i could take her to a vet but im from a very poor family so all i can do is ask you for advice and hope for a miracle. please help me figure this out.
Mammary Gland Enlargement Average Cost
From 433 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,400
Average Cost
$600
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
