sore nipples on 5yr old Rottweiler bitch

by Laura
(Reading UK)

I’ve noticed just in the last 48 hrs that my 5yr old unspayed rottie bitch has a sore crusty nipple. The nipple on the other side also has some dried blood around it, but is not so sore.

There are no lumps or pus, and it doesn’t seem tender.

She is very well in herself with no other signs of malaise.

I’m freaking out that it could be that rare highly malignant mammary cancer..although I have asked an on line vet who said that this would be unlikely to affect two nipples at once, esp. at her age.

I’m wondering also if it could be caused by her harness rubbing?

She has issues with the vet it’s incredibly stressful for all concerned, so i want to give a week to see if it clears up..

Any ideas?

Hi Laura
This is a situation where you really need to get your Rottie examined by your veterinarian, and the sooner the better.

I know that she has difficulties with going to the vet and that it makes the whole experience stressful for everyone, but due to the chance of it being something serious, you really need to get a professional opinion.

With two nipples being affected, I would also think that cancer is unlikely, but do make sure the blood around the second nipple isn’t just being transferred from the first one. There is no way to tell without a proper, professional evaluation though.

Of course there are other possible reasons for discharge and sore nipples other than cancer. Non-cancerous tumors or infections are also contenders and can be treated quite simply.

If you think it’s her harness, try not using the harness for a few days and see if it clears up. If the harness is rubbing this area then that’s a possibility and it’s a good idea to eliminate that as an reason for the irritation.

If this doesn’t improve within a day or two of stopping using the harness then I’d strongly recommend getting her to your vet, no matter how difficult it is.

Best of luck, hope this turns out to be something very minor and easily treated.

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