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What should I do if my dog has a painful nipple lump?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Female

I recently rescued an American Staffordshire Terrier who has, what appears to be, an abcess growing from her nipple. I can tell it is painful and I'm hoping to find causes and treatment procedures so that I can get this beauty back to a perfect bill of health.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 9th, 2017

Oh no, poor Pebbles! It's certainly possible she has an abscess, but if she is intact (not spayed), then it could be a mammary tumor. Poor girl that it's painful! Because it's painful, it's best that she is seen by a vet first thing in the morning. The vet can diagnose what is causing this lump, and then can discuss treatment otiose with you. If it is an abscess, it will need to be drained and flushed sterilely, and she will need antibiotics for the infection. Should it be a mammary tumor, then there's a 50% chance it's malignant. Depending on if it has spread or not, removing it surgically may be curative.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Pebbles may have a mammary gland abscess, a cyst or a mammary tumor. An abscess would need to be lanced and flushed by a veterinarian and one needs to make sure that it did not penetrate the abdominal wall to the abdominal cavity. If it is a tumor (your vet can easily distinguish between the two), it will likely have to be removed surgically. So there really is nothing you can do at home other than take her to the vet for an exam and relevant treatment according to the findings. In case of an abscess your vet will also want to prescribe antibiotics and pain medicine.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on August 26th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is in fact likely a tumor or growth. This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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