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Why does my unspayed dog have breast lumps and can't stand?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Bandogge Mastiff | Female | unspayed | 170 lbs

My dog has these huge puss filled lumps in her breast. They are now taking over her body causing her to not be able to stand for long periods of time. Vets say they won't do anything till we drain her but the medications they're giving us aren't helping.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 14th, 2019

If she is not spayed the number one reason for swollen teats is mammary (breast) cancer. If she recently had puppies then it could be severe mastitis.

Either way this is serious. Your vet cannot drain these. I have no idea what they would possibly be referring to. If this is cancer, they have to be surgically removed. Sometimes the cancer is benign. Sometimes it is malignant and will spread to other organs (mainly the lungs). Regardless, the only way to potentially cure this is surgery.

( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mammary-tumors-in-dogs-malignant )

If it is mastitis, then she should respond to antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and warm compresses (or cabbage leaf compresses).

( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/mastitis-in-dogs )

Please go back to your vet to discuss this or get a second opinion from another vet. This can be fatal.
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