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.
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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.
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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
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Top
Mammary Gland Enlargement Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
DOMESTIC
Queen Elizabeth
4 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Hair Loss
Mood Swings
Inflamed Nipple
My cat, Lizzie has been losing fur. She was gone for five months (my neighbor stole her) and when she returned I noticed she looked thinner. I started noticing it was due to hair loss when it became more apparent around her belly and her tail. Two days ago I noticed her belly looked strange while she was sitting up. But when I picked her up nothing looked out of the ordinary. Lastnight my husband told me he thinks she’s pregnant bc her nipples look to be getting full. But we doubt that could be it because we wouldn’t know how she got pregnant. We haven’t been letting her out since we just moved to a new place. (She did start losing fur before we moved.) She’s been super affectionate lately. And gets in these moods where she’ll just run after her brother, Poseidon (a dog.) He gets so scared to come upstairs because she attacks him or chases him downstairs. They used to get along so well. This morning I was giving her a belly rub and noticed one of her nipples is sagging past all the rest. (She’s only have one litter.)
Aug. 20, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
I think it would be a good idea to have a good examination for Queen Elizabeth with a veterinarian who can see her and see what is going on with her. Given that she was missing for 5 months, she may have gotten pregnant then, or there may be something else going on that needs attention. A veterinarian will be able to see her, examine her, and see what is happening.
Aug. 20, 2018
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Persian
Bianca
8 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Enlarged Nipple
When does an inflammation of a single nipple require a vet visit?
She’s about 8yo and spade but over the last two days I noticed her messing with her belly, she let me take a look and one of her nipples. Last one on the bottom left is enlarged and red and she is giving it a lot of cleaning and attention. Doesn’t seem to hurt her when I touch it.
Aug. 15, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
If the nipple is infected, or is growing a tumor, than you should have Bianca seen. If it is unusual, it may be best to have her seen to make sure that it is okay, since I can't see her to let you know if it looks worrisome.
Aug. 15, 2018
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Domestic feline
Callie
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Discomfort
Callie had babies and they are about 5 weeks. I noticed she has sallowen nipples.She also has these thick like mats under the nipple. She only two nipples that are not affected.
Aug. 14, 2018
0 Recommendations
At five weeks you should be in the process of weaning or finishing weaning which may result in some swelling or discomfort of the mammary glands (including teats), however if there are other swellings or the glands are warm you should visit your Veterinarian for an examination to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 14, 2018
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Calico
Peaches
4 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lumps
There’s lumps on either side of my female kittens nipples. She’s only 4 months old! I was petting her belly and kept feeling these lumps and so I put the light on and checked and there’s lumps on either side of each of her nipples. Some have both sides some have it on only one side. Should I be worried? Or is this normal for kittens? They weren’t there a few weeks ago.
Aug. 11, 2018
0 Recommendations
There may be various different causes for the bumps which may be due to inflammation, allergies, infection or something more serious; without examining Peaches it is not possible to determine what they are. If Peaches is otherwise in good spirits, you should keep an eye on them and visit your Veterinarian if there is no improvement or other bumps/symptoms develop. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 11, 2018
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Mammary Gland Enlargement Average Cost
From 433 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,400
Average Cost
$600
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