My pregnant poodle has a black spot on her nipple. Is it serious?

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. These appear to likely be benign hyperpigmented spots, so if Magna seems comfortable and the spots aren’t changing, my level of concern is very low. Of course, the best input is possible when a vet can see the skin in person and take a sample if necessary to test (to rule out other common causes, such as a cancerous change), but I think chances are very high that this is nothing worrisome. I hope this helps!

Since she is not spayed and has gone through heat cycles, she is at a higher risk of mammary cancer. These usually are nodules you can feel along the mammary chain. I would have your vet take a look at the black spot on her nipple. You can always upload up to 3 pictures when submitting a question also. Just from finding a black spot on her nipple or even if you feel a nodule or two along her mammary chain at this point if she is doing well I would not recommend putting her down. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I don't think you need to freak out about it. It does not look concerning. It may just be a plugged hair follicle or a small cyst. I suggest you use these medicated pads on the affected area once or twice a day. If after a week or so, if there is no improvement, then he should see your vet. If you are worried you can always have him examined now. There is no harm in that. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-5393-douxo-chlorhexidine-3-ps-pads-for-dogs-and-cats-30.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo+Auto )

This looks like a tumor with necrosis. without a hands-on exam , however it is not possible to tell exactly. This may also be an abscess, a cyst or a tumor. You should have it examined by your veterinarian, as it is not possible to distinguish these by just looking at a photo. An abscess can usually be treated with antibiotics and/or be lanced, and a cyst can be evacuated. To identify a tumor, your vet may want to do a fine needle aspirate (he takes some material from the bump with a needle and then looks at it under the microscope) to determine whether the mass is concerning.

It could be mastitis but it is hard to tell from the photos. Usually mastitis is warm to the touch and the teat is red/swollen/painful and there may be yellowish/green discharge. You can do warm compresses on it if you think it is mastitis to see if that will help but being that she is pregnant it may be best to have your vet check it out. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hello. The nipple is definitely red & inflamed, but this does not always indicate the presence of an infection. For now, you can rub a little 1% hydrocortisone on the skin 2-3 times a day, & if it is not looking any better by early in the week, please have your veterinarian take a look. Thank you.

That could be a normal pigmentation of the skin and if not associated to any other sign, it is nothing to be worried about. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.