We gave away a kitten, the cat’s mammary glands are swollen, what should I do?

Possible causes of breast swelling and swollen nipples in a cat

New growths of the mammary gland that affect a cat are malignant and benign in nature. In addition, they differ in the characteristics of their growth. Benign tumors under the skin develop slowly, but eventually reach impressive sizes and do not metastasize. A malignant compaction in the area of ​​the mammary glands causes metastasis, the development of necrotic processes, as well as intoxication of the body. Cats with this disease do not live long. Benign pathologies of the organ are mammary hyperplasia. It manifests itself in the following forms:

• Focal;
• Fibroepithelial, cystic.

Moreover, both types develop due to high levels of progesterone in the cat’s blood, which is typical for unsterilized females.

Timely treatment of benign pathologies has a favorable prognosis if it was an unopened cyst or a complicated formation. In this case, there is a significant risk of wound infection. In total, benign tumors are detected in 15% of all pathologies in this organ.

Veterinarians give an extremely cautious prognosis for such a tumor due to the fact that when it reaches a size of more than 3 cm, it is extremely unfavorable. This is due to the frequent development of metastases in other organs, as well as the brain. This disease is also characterized by a high chance of relapse, even if it has already been operated on.

Inflammation can be caused by the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the gland; a tumor often indicates the development of mastitis and mastopathy. Hormones have a great influence on the condition of the mammary glands. Hormonal imbalances also often lead to swollen nipples and the appearance of a variety of discharge. Most often, cats develop cancer. The risk of cancer increases in animals aged 10–12 years.

If the glands are swollen, this does not always indicate the presence of pathology. Natural causes of this condition are pregnancy and breastfeeding. Nipple enlargement occurs in the fourth week of pregnancy. This sign is especially well expressed in nulliparous females.

If the female is not pregnant, then most likely the tumor is caused by pathological processes. They can occur as a result of hormonal imbalances, the use of hormone-based drugs, poor ecology, and poor nutrition. The most common breast diseases are:

• neoplasms;
• mastitis (serous, purulent);
• mastopathy;
• false pregnancy.

What is the problem and how does it manifest itself?

Symptoms of mastitis

When a cat has enlarged one nipple or both mammary glands, an inflammatory reaction may manifest itself in a similar way. The disease is more often observed in females during feeding of kittens, during which milk stagnation occurs. The occurrence of a lump near the breast is influenced by staphylococcal infection or E. coli activity. Pathogenic microorganisms enter the cat's body through the milk ducts or through the bloodstream. Mastitis can be recognized by the following signs:

• swelling of the mammary glands;
• heat;
• redness of the skin on the abdomen;
• compactions and small bumps;
• bloody or purulent impurities in the milk of a nursing cat;
• deteriorated general condition.

Veterinarians warn owners that if mastitis in the Sphynx and cats of other breeds is not treated in a timely manner, there is a high probability of degeneration of the mammary glands and the appearance of a tumor, including a malignant one.

Manifestation of pregnancy

This phenomenon is typical for females expecting offspring.
If a cat's mammary glands are swollen, this is the first signal of kitten conception. This sign is already observed after a month, especially in young individuals who become pregnant for the first time. After another 2-3 weeks, the owners note that the female not only has enlarged breasts, but also begins to produce milk. Closer to childbirth, the mammary glands become 2 times larger. If the increase is much greater, then you should see a veterinarian to rule out pathology.

False pregnancy: how to recognize?

This condition is not uncommon, and owners observe that the cat’s mammary glands are swollen and the appetite has increased, which is why they mistakenly believe that the animal has become pregnant. A similar violation is observed in a female who took a castrated cat for mating. The occurrence of false pregnancy and swelling of the mammary glands is influenced by pathology of the reproductive system or hormonal imbalance. To confirm successful conception, you need to contact a veterinarian who will prescribe an ultrasound diagnosis, but not earlier than a month after mating.

What is mastopathy?

Sometimes early sterilization of animals leads to this disease.
If the nipples turn blue and the mammary glands are swollen, this may indicate such a disease. Feline pathology is rare and most likely occurs after sterilization of an individual less than a year old. Mastopathy is a serious disease of the mammary glands, which often develops into oncology. With pathology, the female’s nipples look bad, and the skin near them is red and swollen. A lump appears in the chest area, and the cat exhibits other symptoms of mastopathy:

• bloody discharge from the nipples;
• seals;
• pain on palpation of the mammary glands.

How to recognize tumors?

Benign neoplasms: are they dangerous?

When a kitten or an adult has a blue area near the nipples, while it is dry and hard, this may be a signal of a tumor process. Often, cat owners observe that a benign tumor has formed after an injury or hormonal imbalance. Other factors also influence the development of the problem:

Pathology occurs more often in overweight animals.

• genetic predisposition;
• obesity;
• use of hormonal contraception;
• lack of sterilization.

A benign tumor is characterized not only by swelling of the mammary glands, but also by other signs:

• compaction that can be felt by palpation;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• nipple discharge;
• changed behavior.

If you do not identify a benign tumor in a cat early on and do not remove it, then there is a high risk of its degeneration and the development of cancer.

Oncological process

The life of an animal is at risk if it is diagnosed with malignant tumors.
The Sphynx and other pet breeds often suffer from cancerous tumors, the development of which is influenced by various negative factors. When advanced, the neoplasm metastasizes to nearby and distant internal organs and lymph nodes. This deviation of the mammary glands poses the greatest danger to the health and life of the pet. At the initial stages, it is possible to recognize oncology in cats based on the following clinical picture:

• white or red spots on the nipples;
• swelling of the mammary glands;
• large lymph nodes;
• compaction when palpating the cat’s breasts;
• lethargy and causeless laziness.

In later stages, not only the lymph node in the mammary glands is enlarged, but also cancer cells spread to nearby tissues and organs. Often in oncology, metastases are recorded in the lungs, liver or brain. If the cancer process spreads, there is no chance to save the cat and veterinarians recommend euthanizing the animal to alleviate its suffering.

Mastitis

Mastitis occurs due to stagnation of breast milk, infection with E. coli or staphylococcus. The disease is accompanied by:

• swelling of the mammary glands;
• increasing them in size;
• redness, cracking skin;
• increased temperature;
• discharge from the chest mixed with pus;
• in some cases - by compactions that can be felt during palpation.

Cats' behavior changes - they become apathetic, lethargic, and their appetite decreases. Touching the mammary glands with your fingers causes severe pain to the animal.

With mastitis, the ducts become inflamed and decrease in diameter, which impedes the flow of milk and leads to its curdling. As a result, the chest hardens, the cat begins to feel feverish, and she looks for a secluded place.

Untreated mastitis is dangerous due to degeneration into a malignant neoplasm and sepsis. Only a veterinarian can accurately diagnose the disease and prescribe the necessary therapy.

At the initial stage, owners can help the pet express milk by lightly pressing and massaging the nipple. This can be done if the animal does not have a fever. To stop lactation, apply a tight bandage to the mammary glands. The amount of fluid consumed by the female will have to be reduced for some time.

False pregnancy

One of the reasons for enlarged mammary glands in cats is pregnancy.
At about 4 weeks, the owner may notice that the animal’s nipples are swollen. This is especially noticeable in young cats giving birth for the first time. At 6-7 weeks, milk begins to be produced in the glands. By the time of childbirth, the breasts increase even more. However, if the mammary glands have become too large, then it is better to show the cat to a veterinarian.

Most often, a cat gets mastitis as a result of stagnation of milk in the breast. Another cause may be infection with staphylococcal infection or E. coli. Bacteria also enter the gland through the milk ducts or through the bloodstream.

Mastitis is an inflammation of the cat's breasts. Most often this disease is characterized by symptoms:

• an increase in the size of the gland, swelling, swelling;
• increased cat body temperature;
• redness of the skin of the mammary glands;
• seals may appear;
• blood or pus can be expressed with milk;
• general deterioration in the animal’s well-being, lethargy, apathy.

If mastitis is not treated on time, then in some cases degeneration of the mammary glands may occur, which will lead to the development of tumors, including malignant ones. What should you do if your cat has swollen upper four mammary glands? First of all, it is necessary to take the animal to a veterinarian and examine it for mastitis.

False pregnancy is a common occurrence in the animal world. Dogs most often suffer from this problem, but it also occurs in cats. Usually, a false pregnancy occurs after mating with a sterile male. The problem may also arise due to reproductive ill health of the cat itself. Sometimes false pregnancy occurs due to hormonal imbalances in the animal’s body.

If, some time after meeting a male, the cat’s mammary glands swell and her belly becomes rounded, this does not mean anything. The presence of pregnancy can be determined using an ultrasound machine. Usually this study is prescribed by a doctor for a period of 3-4 weeks.

• toxicosis;
• swelling of the mammary glands;
• abdominal enlargement due to excess fat deposition on the anterior abdominal wall;
• appearance of milk;
• false labor pains.

What to do if a cat is falsely pregnant? This condition is not so harmless, so a visit to the veterinary clinic is required. If episodes of false pregnancy occur frequently, then the cat must be sterilized.

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Mastopathy

Mastopathy is a pathological change in the gland, characterized by the appearance of dense formations. This disease practically does not occur in cats that were sterilized before the age of one year. Mastopathy is a dangerous process that, without veterinary control, can further provoke the growth of a cancerous tumor.

What to do if your cat has swollen mammary glands? It is necessary to take the animal to the clinic and rule out mastopathy.

• enlargement of the mammary glands;
• the appearance of bloody discharge from the nipples;
• the presence of seals in the gland;
• The animal's chest may become painful.

For mastopathy, conservative treatment is most often prescribed, which is well tolerated by cats. If an animal has swollen mammary glands, it is better to take it to a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis.

Types of neoplasms on the chest in cats

Tumors in the mammary glands can be benign or cancerous. Benign formations, such as an adenoma or cyst, can reach impressive sizes. They cause inconvenience to the animal, but do not pose a threat to life.

Malignant tumors often cause death in cats. They can invade areas outside the gland and grow into neighboring organs and tissues. These tumors metastasize, which complicates treatment.

Benign tumors most often arise due to hormonal imbalance caused by the use of hormones or cessation of feeding the offspring. In addition, neoplasms can appear after injury to the mammary glands. Another common cause of cystic glandular lesions is genetic predisposition.

Breast cancer in a cat

The vast majority of tumors in cats are malignant. Breast cancers, such as carcinoma and sarcoma (see photo), grow rapidly and affect other organs. Malignant tumors are difficult to treat because they usually manifest themselves in the later stages of the disease.

What to do and how to deal with the problem?

When a cat’s mammary glands are swollen, treatment is selected individually and only based on the results of the examinations completed. In case of an inflammatory reaction, drug therapy is carried out, and if the swelling is associated with hormonal imbalance, then special drugs may be required to restore the level of hormones in the cat's body. When the source of the problem is an infection, it is necessary to take an antibacterial course, which lasts on average 1-2 weeks and is prescribed by a veterinarian. The table shows popular remedies that help animals with swollen mammary glands.

In cases of malignant tumor processes, cats are prescribed cytostatics, which are recommended for humans. The main drug is Cyclophosphamide.

To prevent the formation from metastasizing, the entire milk bag is removed from the animal.
If swollen mammary glands are a consequence of oncology, then drug treatment alone is not enough. In case of pathology, chemotherapy and surgical removal of the cancerous tumor are required. To prevent metastases, excision of the entire organ is possible. If the cancer is in an advanced stage, then treatment will not bring positive dynamics and euthanasia is performed to speed up the death outcome.

Associated symptoms in the presence of pathologies

The onset of a pathological process is indicated not only by the inflammatory process, lumps and discharge. With mastitis, the following symptoms can be observed:

• hot and bright red skin of the areolas;
• animal anxiety;
• soreness when palpated;
• bloody, purulent or cheesy discharge from the nipples;
• change in behavior (apathy, lack of mobility, desire for solitude);
• compulsive licking of the affected area;
• temperature rise to 40 degrees.

The following signs are characteristic of malignant formations:

• clearly defined boundaries;
• hardness and immobility;
• normal skin temperature in the affected area;
• no pain on palpation;
• rapid tumor growth;
• the appearance of ulcers, which may later burst;
• weight loss and loss of appetite;
• the occurrence of metastases.

When a cat is pregnant or breastfeeding, she has a small lump (swelling). A similar situation can be noticed in the case of a false pregnancy. All these phenomena have similar manifestations to tumors, although they are not tumors. But because of this, many owners may already be wondering what to do and how long their pet will live.

Any, even minor, bump in the nipple area should cause concern. Often the pathology is a nodular formation located in the thoracic region. It often affects simultaneously several lobes of the gland, localized in one specific part of the body. Cystic formations may appear.

Adenocarcinoma, being the most common tumor of this organ, has the following manifestations:

• A minor formation that is located under the skin;
• Inflammation of tissue near the tumor;
• Development of ulcers, their bleeding (If they burst);
• Growth of lymph nodes;
• The appearance of pain;
• Fever;
• Development of the necrotic process;
• Significant decrease in appetite.

In the case when a cat has certain seals in the nipple area, the owner needs to immediately show it to the veterinarian to determine their nature. Based on the timeliness of detection of the pathology, as well as its type, not only the treatment depends, but also the possibility of survival of the pet itself.

What does a lump near a cat's nipple indicate?

Pets often develop various diseases throughout their lives. They differ from human diseases in symptoms and course. The owner can identify many signs on his own, so it is important to be attentive to the animal and monitor changes in behavior, appearance, and food preferences.

A lump near a cat's nipple is a common symptom that may indicate the presence of a benign or malignant tumor, as well as other serious diseases. In this article we will look at the causes of this problem and ways to normalize the pet’s condition.

A cat has four pairs of nipples on its stomach. Pathology is most often found in the two lower pairs - one, or much less often several, nipples increase in size or seals appear near them. This symptom may indicate the presence of the following diseases:

1. Breast tumor. Compaction is often a symptom of a tumor. The increase in nipple size may vary for each animal - this sign does not affect the malignancy or benignity of the development of the disease. The most dangerous stage is characterized by dulling of the fur, enlargement of other mammary glands and the release of liquid from the nipples, which has a specific odor.
2. Mastitis. In most cases, the disease develops in a cat after the birth of kittens; much less often, hardening is observed in a pregnant animal. The main reason why a nursing cat has hard mammary glands is milk stagnation. At the same time, the nipple becomes denser and hotter, covered with a network of cracks. The pet will try to avoid touching the abdomen, often licking the sore nipple. When you press it, a discharge with a curd consistency will appear.
3. Mastopathy. Most often, this condition indicates the presence of cancer. The main symptom is enlargement of the mammary glands for no apparent reason or pregnancy. The initial stage of the disease is easy to miss, since the animal does not change its usual behavior.

The appearance of even small bumps near the nipples of cats should be taken seriously - the life of the animal depends on it.

Causes of seals

The main reasons that lead to the appearance of swelling can be identified:

• Negative effects on the animal’s body from excessive environmental pollution;
• Unbalanced diet, presence of low-quality food in the diet;
• Hereditary predisposition to the development of pathologies;

Often the reason why a cat has swollen mammary glands after kittens lies in the early separation of the offspring from the mother.

Most often, this condition does not have a negative effect on the pet’s body and goes away on its own over time.

In this case, it is recommended to express milk both independently and with the help of a veterinarian. You can also make lotions at room temperature from a decoction of oak bark or chamomile.

The development of any tumor can be divided into several successive stages:

• The neoplasm is very small, no more than 10 mm, no metastases have been identified;
• The tumor grows up to 30 mm, all the same, without the appearance of secondary lesions;
• A growth over 50 mm in size, the appearance of ulcers and the possibility of developing metastases in the lymph nodes are noted;
• Identification of secondary lesions in the liver and other organs of the animal;

By starting treatment in the first stages, you can prevent complications and completely normalize the animal’s condition.

Treatment options

For mastitis, the veterinarian, depending on the severity of the disease, may prescribe compresses, which the owner will do to the animal at home, following the instructions. In more advanced cases, complex treatment will be required, which includes antibiotics, as well as a mandatory course of vitamins necessary to improve well-being and strengthen the immune system.

In case of mastopathy, the doctor performs a biopsy, based on the results of which the following may be prescribed:

1. Conservative therapy - carried out in case of a small chance of a malignant tumor, includes stabilization of hormonal levels by taking an individually selected vitamin complex.
2. Surgical treatment is a surgical intervention in which the nipple and mammary gland are removed. These tissues are subsequently redirected for more detailed examination.

If a tumor is detected in the early stages of development, the veterinarian performs surgery to remove the mammary glands. If there are reasons why surgery is not possible, the cat is prescribed chemotherapy.

In order to choose an effective treatment method, it is important to accurately determine the reason why the cat’s nipples are swollen. Quite often the problem lies in the development of a malignant tumor and the appearance of cancer. It is not recommended to try to cure such diseases on your own without the help of a qualified specialist.

The main reason for the appearance of seals in many cats is considered to be hormonal imbalances, so experts recommend sterilizing your pet before the first heat.

Ignoring the resulting seals can lead to irreversible consequences. If the tumor bursts, you need to urgently take the cat to the veterinarian and under no circumstances touch the site of the disease.

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It is important to remember that timely diagnosis and the necessary treatment will help save the life of a pet and normalize its condition.

Mastopathy

Mastopathy is an inflammation of the mammary gland, accompanied by the appearance of cysts and other lumps. A disease without treatment and constant veterinary control can become an impetus for the formation and proliferation of cancer cells.

Mastopathy is more common in individuals who have given birth and is practically not diagnosed in cats that were sterilized at an early age (before a year or a little over a year).

The signs of the pathology are in many ways similar to the symptoms of mastitis:

• the cat's chest is swollen;
• bleeding appeared;
• the glands are visually enlarged;
• touching causes pain to the female.

Timely identified mastopathy responds well to treatment - cats tolerate medications and injections well. The disease at the initial stage is treated with drugs containing iodine and immunomodulators.

In advanced cases, when ulcers appear on the skin, conservative therapy is ineffective. Serious lesions require surgery, during which the affected glands, as well as the uterus and ovaries, are partially or completely removed. The animal will require long-term rehabilitation.

Characteristic symptoms

The main symptoms appear when the disease has already entered the advanced stage. At this stage, the animal’s general well-being worsens and its appearance changes. The tumor may appear as single or multiple nodes. The inguinal and axillary lymph nodes are inflamed. The lesion may involve several lobes of the mammary gland.

• the neoplasm is significant in size;
• there is quite severe inflammation of the surrounding tissues;
• the cat is in quite a lot of pain;
• body temperature may rise;
• the animal loses weight sharply, there is no appetite;
• Bleeding and discharge of pus from the opened tumor are possible.

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If a cat's mammary gland is swollen and painful, this is not always associated with cancer. Very often, some non-tumor conditions of the mammary glands have similar signs. Basically, these are hyperplasias (tissue growths) of various etiologies and some other conditions:

• hyperplasia of the gland ducts;
• breast cysts;
• lobular hyperplasia;
• fibroadenomatous hyperplasia;
• false pregnancy;
• true pregnancy;
• consequences of the administration of progesterone hormone drugs.

Diagnostics

To differentiate the form, as well as the type of pathology, the treating veterinarian, in addition to examination and palpation, based on the need, prescribes the following diagnostic measures:

• Blood analysis. Often these are general and biochemical. They allow you to assess the pet’s condition and, if there are other pathologies, identify them;
• Ultrasound and chest x-ray. With their help, the exact localization of the main tumor is revealed, as well as the presence of metastases and from the location;
• Biopsy, or fine-needle aspiration of pathological tissues and lymph nodes for cytological examination;

A histological examination of biopsied tissues can also be used to identify the exact type of formation that affects the cat. Due to this, the appropriate treatment for the tumors is selected.

Diagnosis and treatment

Any abnormalities in the functioning of the mammary gland in a cat should cause concern to the owner. If they swell, increase in size or change color, then this is a reason to visit a doctor. Sometimes research in complex cases takes more than one day, so be prepared for this.

If your cat has swollen mammary glands, she may undergo the following examinations::

• Ultrasound;
• X-ray;
• biopsy;
• analysis of milk from the affected gland;
• palpation;
• MRI.

Urine and blood tests are also often prescribed to more accurately determine the animal’s condition.

After making a diagnosis, the doctor prescribes treatment. It depends on the reason why the mammary glands are swollen. For example, for mastitis, conservative treatment is most often prescribed, while for cancer, surgery and chemotherapy are indicated.

With early diagnosis of the disease, the prognosis is more favorable. But time cannot be turned back, so if there is any change in the condition of your cat’s mammary glands, contact your veterinarian in a timely manner.

Diagnostic methods

What to do if your cat has a swollen nipple? First of all, the animal is examined by a specialist. Next, the cat's blood and the substance discharged from the chest are taken for analysis. Bacteriological examination of mammary gland secretions allows us to identify the causative agent of the disease. Cytological analysis of the fluid shows the degree of development of mastitis or another disease.

Ultrasound is a universal research method for both mastitis and tumors. Using ultrasound, the affected area and the size of the compaction are determined, as well as the presence of contents in the gland ducts.

To find out the nature of the compaction, a biopsy is performed. Cells from lymph nodes located in the affected area are also taken for analysis. It is possible to clarify the presence of metastases in malignant neoplasms using the X-ray method.

Diagnostic measures

For a full examination of your pet, an ultrasound scan of the problematic glandular tissue is performed.
When a cat’s mammary glands are swollen, you should urgently contact a veterinary clinic, where they will conduct a comprehensive examination and tell you what to do and how to overcome the problem. To make a diagnosis, the following manipulations are performed:

• chest x-rays;
• biopsy;
• ultrasound examination;
• analysis of milk from a damaged mammary gland;
• laboratory testing of urine and blood;
• Magnetic resonance imaging.

Therapy

Treatment for hard mammary glands in a nursing cat depends only on what causes these lumps. For diseases such as mastopathy and cancer, a qualified veterinarian prescribes conservative therapy or surgical treatment. In the first case, the animal takes medications aimed at stabilizing hormonal levels and vitamins. In the second case, surgical intervention is performed, during which the mammary gland and nipple are removed. Subsequently, they are sent for laboratory testing.

In some cases, there are indications that do not allow surgery. The reason for refusal may be a weak heart. Then there is another way - chemotherapy. This method is also quite serious; it is prescribed when the purr has a strong liver and kidneys. Chemotherapy for cats is carried out using the following drugs:

All final decisions are made after a detailed study of all influencing factors. The opinion of experts depends on:

• stage and type of cancer;
• tumor localization;
• general health of the animal;
• material capabilities of the owners.

Radiation therapy has become an analogue of radiation therapy. This procedure is used not only to eliminate cancer cells, but also to neutralize their consequences. Ionized radiation, entering the body, prevents cancer relapses. Based on the type of beam, this therapy is divided into x-ray therapy and gamma therapy.

Prevention methods

To prevent the cat's mammary glands from swelling, it is recommended to perform sterilization before the first heat. It is possible to reduce the likelihood of pathological processes on the part of the internal organ by avoiding hormonal medications. Such feline contraceptives have a negative effect on hormone levels and lead to swelling of the mammary glands and oncology. Daily food should contain healthy and high-quality products so that your pet has enough vitamins and microelements. It is important to regularly take your animal to the veterinarian and conduct preventive examinations.

Treatment

Once a pet has been given a disappointing diagnosis of a tumor, removing the cat’s mammary tumor is often the only way to save his life. If the pathology is benign, then after removal surgery there will be an almost complete recovery. But it is important to do this before inflammation or ulceration begins.

In cases where surgical treatment is not possible for certain reasons, conservative methods are used. Thus, for benign pathologies, the essence of such therapy will be to stop the growth and development of the pathology, as well as to prevent infection of the abnormal tissues. In addition, it is necessary to increase the animal’s immunity level.

For this purpose, various antitumor and antibacterial agents are used. This could be Dokosorubicin. Also, if there is cancer in a pet, Cyclophosphamide is used, which has a cytostatic effect. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also prescribed, which include Meroxicam, and painkillers and antibiotics are used.

When adenocarcinomas are detected, they are surgically removed. In this case, resection of pathological tissues is carried out, along with all tissues of the organ, to prevent metastasis. The procedure consists of several stages, due to the fact that a complete mastectomy when performed in one stage is extremely difficult for animals to tolerate.

The course of treatment for the cat is prescribed depending on the results of the tumor examination. The benign lump is excised, after which the animal makes a full recovery. The cancerous lesion will also have to be removed to save the pet’s life. However, in this case, additional therapy is usually required after surgery to reduce the likelihood of relapse.

Mastitis in a cat can be cured with ointments, injections and tablets. As a rule, veterinarians prescribe Gamavit or Catozal, a solution of calcium gluconate. Injections of Travmatin and Mastometrin are used both for the treatment and prevention of mastitis. The duration of the course and dosage are determined by the doctor, taking into account the pet’s weight and other conditions.

In severe cases of purulent mastitis, antibiotics are prescribed. If there is a significant increase in body temperature, the animal is given an injection of analgin with diphenhydramine. When pus flows from the nipples or they bleed, it is necessary to treat with Chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide. If your nipples are inflamed, it is recommended to smear them with products that have a wound-healing and analgesic effect. The condition of swollen glands can be normalized with the help of ointments (Mastiet Forte, Gamabiol, Iruksovetin, Levomekol, Trauma-gel).

Surgery is the main way to combat malignant tumors. The veterinarian prescribes surgery after assessing the size of the lesion and the condition of the cat. Depending on the degree of growth of pathological tissue, one or more mammary glands are removed. In case of bilateral pathology, 2 operations are performed with an interval of 14 days. However, when cancer cells penetrate the skin, the affected area on the abdomen is completely removed in one operation.

Doctors usually recommend removing lymph nodes to reduce the risk of cancer cells growing back. In some cases, it is also necessary to remove the ovaries and uterus.

Chemotherapy is used in the treatment of cancer in animals. It is usually carried out to prevent relapses. Cats are given such strong drugs as Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide. These drugs can completely stop the development of tumor processes. However, these medications have many side effects and lead to severe intoxication. Pets can only be treated with these drugs under the close supervision of a specialist.

In some cases, it is impossible to operate on a cat due to its age or concomitant chronic diseases. In this case, chemotherapy becomes the only way to stop the growth of the tumor and prolong the life of the pet.

Sometimes surgery is refused because the size of the lump is too small. In such situations, chemotherapy can give excellent results and lead to a complete recovery of the cat.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies are used, as a rule, in the treatment of mild forms of mastitis. Warm compresses with herbal infusions have a positive effect. For lotions, decoctions of oak bark, sage and chamomile are prepared. It is very important that the infusion is not hot. Excessive heating of the affected area can make the situation worse.

Damaged nipples can be gently massaged with camphor or ichthyol oil. After this, a bandage should be applied to the lubricated areas for a short time to prevent the animal from licking the oil.

With malignant tumors, the cat may experience severe pain. In this case, the use of folk remedies as additional therapy is allowed. Decoctions of herbs such as calendula, spurge, arnica, wild rosemary and knotweed will help slow down abnormal cell growth and reduce pain.

For benign formations, decoctions of burdock, cinquefoil, plantain, tartar, fireweed will contribute to a stable improvement in the pet’s condition. For cancerous tumors, these herbs will help contain the development of metastases.

Cat treatment

Before talking about treating mastitis in a cat, it is important to understand that only a doctor can make a diagnosis. If you suspect your pet has inflammation of the mammary glands, be sure to seek help from a veterinarian.

Treatment of mastitis in cats should not be left to chance. This disease cannot be left uncontrolled. Otherwise, sepsis (blood poisoning due to pus and bacteria entering the bloodstream) may develop.

Do you need veterinary help?

You can do without a veterinarian only at the first stage of the disease, when there is no strong swelling of the nipples, milk is released without problems, and there is no pus. You can attach the kitten to such a nipple so that it sucks the milk. You can carefully express by hand, but your cat most likely will not allow you to do this. As long as the milk remains unchanged, without pus, it will not harm the kitten. And except for the baby, no one can cope so well with “suction” of stagnant milk.

Some owners mistakenly believe that they know how to treat mastitis in a cat even without a veterinarian. Warm compresses are used, which in turn only accelerate the growth of bacteria. This leads to an increase in pus in the glands, the nipples become even redder and enlarge.

As soon as mastitis enters the second stage, when the glands become enlarged and harden, a treatment regimen for mastitis in cats should be drawn up by a veterinarian. In addition to careful pumping, the use of medications will be required. In addition, inexperienced owners confuse inflammation of the glands with tumors. The doctor will make a differential diagnosis, rule out diseases with similar symptoms and prescribe the necessary medications.

Recommendations for treatment at home

We have prepared for you a list of recommendations for treating a cat with mastitis at home.

• If there are few kittens in the litter, then the best solution would be to remove moisture from the diet: water, milk, wet food. This will reduce milk production.
• It will be good to bandage the nipples. The fabric should be thick enough. It is advisable to steam it with an iron to reduce the number of bacteria. The tissue-tight gland will eventually stop producing milk. Only the bandage should not prevent the pet from moving. If you are afraid of causing pain or do not know how to breastfeed, it is better to ask a cat breeder or veterinarian for help.
• If pus begins to be released from the nipples with milk, it is forbidden to put kittens on the cat
  . Due to the huge concentration of bacteria, all babies will become seriously ill, in most cases this leads to the death of the furballs. Therefore, all nipples must not only be bandaged, but also hidden under a blanket, so that neither the cat herself moves the bandage, nor hungry kittens “break through the defense.” Babies will have to be fed artificially (from a nipple with a special cat's milk substitute).
• No massage or warming up!

If necessary, the veterinarian will open the affected glands, remove pus or part of the inflamed tissue, and antibiotic therapy will be prescribed. Without it, it will be impossible to defeat the disease. If the pain is very severe, the doctor will do a novocaine blockade. As soon as it is done, you can express the contents of the gland and inject a drug with antibiotics into the nipple. And then the gland is bandaged.

What to do

The first thing to do is to carefully examine the nipple yourself. To understand the nature of the disease, whether there is a tumor under the nipple and to see the cat’s reaction.

The next step is to take your pet to a doctor for examination . Only a specialist can accurately determine the cause of the tumor and decide what needs to be done. It may be necessary to remove breast tumors surgically if the cancer is in its early stages. Or, if it is mastitis, and the tumor is the remains of milk. You will need to take a course of antibiotics. In any case, both diagnosis and treatment are prescribed only by a veterinarian

Treatment methods

Mastopathy in cats is a fairly serious disease of the mammary glands, which, if not treated in a timely manner, can develop into cancer. It is characterized by the proliferation of internal tissues due to the division of pathological cells, which in a normal state should be absent in the body of a mammal.

Veterinarians cannot yet give a clear answer as to why mastopathy occurs in cats. Some experts are of the opinion that this disease can be provoked by disrupted hormonal levels, namely an excess of two hormones: prolactin and progesterone.

Hormonal disorders can lead to the development of mastopathy.

As a rule, high levels of these substances are characteristic of an animal during the period of gestation. Thanks to prolactin, the animal's mammary glands swell, preparing for the lactation period. If prolactin circulates through the blood before fertilization or during a false pregnancy, then the animal begins an inflammatory process.

The development of mastopathy is also allowed for the following reasons:

1. Diseases of the genitourinary organs.
2. Inflammation of the reproductive organs.
3. Failure in the functionality of the thyroid and adrenal glands (Cushing's syndrome, etc.).
4. Regular stressful situations.
5. Liver diseases.
6. Viral infection.

It is not uncommon for mastopathy to occur due to a cat using contraceptive substances, which are given to it by the owner to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

The development of the disease is also caused by infections that the animal brings into the body through injured nipples. As a rule, this occurs when feeding the offspring.

Important! In cats, after sterilization even before the first heat, the risk of mastopathy is minimized. In individuals that were sterilized between the first and second estrus, the likelihood of developing mastopathy increases by 75 percent.

An owner who takes care of his cat is unlikely to fail to notice that her mammary glands have significantly enlarged. If the lumps or nodules are clearly felt when palpated, and the animal does not show signs of discomfort, it should be urgently shown to a veterinarian. As a rule, in 90 percent of cases, a specialist diagnoses mastopathy.

With mastopathy, nodules and tumors form on the mammary glands of a cat.

Important! A symptom of an advanced form of mastopathy are wounds and ulcers on the cat’s mammary glands.

Experts identify several types of mastopathy:

1. Fibroepithelial hyperplasia. This disease is characterized by swelling of the anterior mammary glands. Their skin becomes tight and red, the milk bags are hot, and the animal experiences pain when touched. Very often, hyperplasia is accompanied by swelling of the hind legs. Occurs during pregnancy or when taking individual progestins. Swelling of the mammary gland can be very severe and result in necrosis and infection.
2. Adenoma. A benign neoplasm in which the tissues swell greatly and one or more movable balls form under them.

Mastopathy is divided into subtypes and according to the place of formation:

1. Nodal or single. There are fibrous and cystic forms. With fibrous mastopathy, the neoplasm is filled with pathological tissues. Cystic mastopathy is characterized by filling of the tumor with fluid.
2. Diffuse or diffuse. It is the formation of a large number of nodules scattered throughout the gland of the animal.

There is an opinion among cat breeders that mastopathy most often occurs in Siamese cats. But there are cases where cats of this breed also suffer from this disease. Uncastrated males who are not sexually active are susceptible to this. If the cat is castrated and at least occasionally allowed to interact with cats, the mastopathy will disappear and will no longer appear.

Mastopathy at the site of formation can be single, nodular, diffuse and diffuse.

After mastopathy is detected in an animal, the specialist prescribes a histological examination. It involves a painless injection into the tumor. The resulting material is sent to the laboratory.

The histology result may look like this:

1. If the tumor size is less than 2 cm, surgery will completely rid the cat of the disease.
2. If the size of the tumor varies between 2-3 cm, the animal can live 12-16 months after surgery.
3. A tumor size of more than 3 cm does not predict positive treatment results.

Breast hyperplasia

It is the simplest type of mastopathy, most often observed in young cats. Pathology is especially common in unsterilized females. Soon after the first or second heat, the first milk bags swell greatly, which is the first symptom of mammary hyperplasia. This disease is caused by high levels of progesterone in the blood.

For a pregnant cat, this phenomenon will be normal if it appears in the first two weeks of pregnancy. In this case, the owner must be very attentive to the animal, since a similar manifestation is typical for mastitis and breast cancer.

In the initial stages of mammary hyperplasia, breast enlargement is painless. With complications, the breasts very quickly enlarge, acquire a red-blue color and become hot. The cat will experience aching pain and constantly lick the problematic chest. Very often the animal experiences swelling in the hind legs.

With advanced mastopathy, the cat's mammary glands increase in size and become inflamed.

The best option for treating mammary hyperplasia is to remove the cat's breast. If the cause of the disease is pregnancy or progesterone injections, all this must be stopped, otherwise the cat may die. A breast biopsy is necessary in cases where the tumor does not go away after sterilization, termination of pregnancy, hormonal therapy, and if there is a possibility of developing oncological pathology.

We suggest you read: What to feed the Alabai - tips on proper nutrition for an adult dog

If the biochemistry result showed a large amount of progesterone, you can use Alizin. But this is done only with the permission of the veterinarian. This drug provokes miscarriage, so the owner must decide what is more important to him: the cat or its offspring.

Cancers

Breast cancer is the third most common cancer among cats. According to statistics, the disease most often occurs in individuals who have lived for more than 6 years. If a cat is not of breeding value, it is better to sterilize it before its first heat. This solution will reduce the risk of developing cancer by 25 percent.

Breast cancer is characterized by rapid spread, formation of metastases and recurrence at every opportunity. Unfortunately, oncological mastopathy in most cases metastasizes to the lymph nodes and lungs. With such complications, the chance of survival for a sick animal is reduced to zero.

Spaying your cat before her first heat will reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Signs of pathology include:

• Breast tightening.
• No pain.
• The presence of small balls that are easily palpable.

Most often, oncological mastopathy affects one half of the mammary glands. In this case, the skin on the affected organ becomes covered with small wounds. If it has been decided to remove the damaged gland, the veterinarian must perform a chest x-ray to check the condition of the lungs.

Any treatment at home is strictly contraindicated, as this will only worsen the situation.

Because of panic, many owners do not know what to do if their beloved cat has a tumor, and how to treat the pathology. First of all, you need to show the animal to a veterinarian. In most cases, experts recommend removing the damaged organ. After the operation, a course of chemotherapy is prescribed. The last stage of treatment will be the cat's lifelong administration of antibiotics, which should protect it from infections and viruses.

If the animal is not shown to a doctor in a timely manner, it may experience:

• An increase in the number of nodules, which are characterized by rapid growth and metastases.
• Compaction of the balls: they become motionless and are covered with wounds from which liquid mixed with blood constantly flows.

Cancers of milk bags cause discomfort for the animal and the owner, and in most cases lead to death.

To minimize the risk of developing mastopathy in your pet, it is better to sterilize it before its first heat. If the cat is not planned to be used for breeding, all reproductive organs are removed from it.

If the owners are not satisfied with this decision, in order to prevent the development of mastopathy and cancer, they must completely abandon the use of hormonal contraceptives to prevent pregnancy in the cat. This solution will reduce the risk of developing cancer by 55%.

Complete abstinence from hormonal medications for cats will reduce the risk of developing cancer by 55%.

Interesting fact! Relatively recently, veterinarians found that polyester, which is used to make synthetic bedding, can contribute to the development of fibroepithelial hyperplasia of the nipples and mammary glands of cats.

This fact is explained by the fact that polyester contains a substance that causes contact dermatitis in animals with hypersensitivity. If this damage is not treated, the pet may experience proliferative changes.

Many owners wonder whether mastopathy is curable. She is not as scary as she seems at first glance. It can be successfully treated if you seek qualified help in time and do not self-medicate. It won’t hurt to take your furry pet to the veterinarian every 1-2 months for a routine examination. In any case, every disease is easier to prevent than to treat.

In most cases, treatment for breast cancer is radical. Surgery to remove the tumor is proposed. It usually takes place in several stages:

• removal of a mammary tumor, which is performed in cats with a significant area of ​​healthy tissue;
• removal of nearby lymph nodes to prevent further metastasis;
• chemotherapy – as the final stage of treatment, designed to stop the tumor process and eliminate the possibility of relapses.

The smaller the tumor size, the higher the chances of success of the operation. It is believed that the prognosis of the disease is favorable if the diameter does not exceed 3 cm. The degree of surgical intervention may vary depending on the size of the affected area:

• If the cat's tumor is small in size, only the affected gland is removed.
• If neighboring glands are captured, then during one intervention the entire row of glands is removed.
• If it is bilateral (two-sided), removal of the breast tumor is carried out in two stages with an interval of two weeks. But, if the lower or upper layers of the skin are involved in the tumor process, the entire affected area is removed at once.

Caring for your cat after surgery

The result of treatment depends not only on timely surgery. Surgical removal of the tumor is only the initial stage of the fight against cancer. Postoperative care plays an important role. A pet who has undergone surgery must be provided with complete rest. In addition, you must follow your veterinarian's instructions and follow all recommendations regarding your cat's diet.

The seam must be regularly treated with a special product, which is also prescribed by the veterinarian. In addition, the animal must be given a number of medications, strictly observing the time of administration and dosage. This will help avoid complications.

For some time after removal of the tumor, the cat must wear a special blanket. It is designed to protect the seam and prevent inflammation. The owner must carefully ensure that the blanket is held securely and does not come undone.

Scheduled inspections are carried out weekly. To assess the animal’s condition and understand how its recovery process is going, the veterinarian will take the necessary tests. However, even the most experienced doctor cannot say exactly how long a cat will live after surgery.

Preventive measures

Owners of domestic cats should carefully monitor the condition of their pet's nipples, since tumors in them are most often malignant. If even small balls appear under the skin, it is necessary to urgently show the animal to a veterinarian. To protect your pet from this terrible diagnosis, you need to follow the recommendations of specialists:

• Sterilize a nulliparous female before puberty. Many scientific studies have shown that spayed females have a reduced risk of developing malignant tumors on the mammary glands.
• Do not use hormonal contraceptives. During the period of female heat, people usually use veterinary drugs that neutralize its symptoms. These medications contain hormonal substances that disrupt the activity of the animal’s own gonads.
• Use quality feed. Cheap food with a large number of additives and carcinogens is one of the reasons for the development of cancer in animals.

If the nipple is swollen due to mastitis or mastopathy, then the prognosis in this case will be favorable. However, mastitis also causes a lot of trouble for the animal, so it is better to try to prevent it. Prevention of this disease includes the following measures:

• regular antiparasitic treatment;
• eliminating the possibility of your pet getting injured and hypothermia;
• preventing stagnation of milk in the breast of a nursing female, applying kittens to all nipples;
• frequent change of bedding for a female with kittens;
• trimming babies' claws if they damage the skin on the mother's chest;
• the use of special ointments for cracks in the areolas and nipples.

Diagnosing a cat is the key to its health

Today in our section on cat diseases we will talk about tumors, methods of diagnosing them, as well as their treatment. What to do if you find a mammary tumor in a cat? Does this mean cancer, or can and should you still fight for the life and health of your pet? Read about all this in our publication...

First of all, let's figure out what a tumor is?

It is necessary to distinguish neoplasms by their types:

• benign - this category includes adenomas, cysts, and other tumors that do not pose any threat to the life and health of the pet. They simply exist and need to be observed.
• malignant - those tumors that metastasize and grow into neighboring organs and tissues; they are deadly.

However, even a benign tumor can cause discomfort to your animal if it is large or located in an inconvenient location.

In addition, such benign tumors can develop into malignant ones over time, therefore, veterinary medicine still recommends not only limiting themselves to observation, but also removing such tumors before they develop into more dangerous ones.

As for malignant tumors, they definitely pose a threat to the life and health of your pet, therefore, in this case, you should not hesitate - remove the tumor or leave it. Removing such a tumor is your cat's chance at life.

What do tumors look like and how can they be diagnosed? These questions certainly concern concerned cat owners who are afraid of missing the appearance of such a neoplasm in their pet’s body.

So, a tumor does not always correspond to our understanding of this word - it is not always huge and shapeless, but sometimes it can look like a small, slightly convex seal, similar to a nodule or lump, which in our case can be located on the mammary glands of a cat.

If you discover such a tumor in your cat, do not put off your visit to the veterinarian and do not count on the fact that such a tumor will resolve on its own. If you are dealing with a malignant tumor, your delay may give metastases to the tissues adjacent to the cat’s mammary glands.

Today, a tumor can be diagnosed using the “old-fashioned” method – palpation and palpation, as well as using ultrasound and x-rays.

However, with the help of these studies it is not possible to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant.

Therefore, it is imperative to conduct both a cytological examination and a tumor biopsy in order to determine what treatment will be appropriate in this case. It also wouldn't hurt to take the required tests.

Tumors of the mammary glands of cats do not appear out of nowhere; as a rule, the appearance of a neoplasm already at the stage when the cat’s owners notice it is preceded by several stages - stages of the disease.

1. So, at the first stage of the disease, the cat’s lymph nodes are not enlarged, but in the area of ​​the mammary gland there is a slight thickening of a soft consistency. The cat, as a rule, reacts very calmly when you touch such a tumor - it simply does not feel it yet.
2. At the second stage of tumor development, its consistency thickens, however, if the tumor is malignant, metastases have not yet grown.
3. At the third stage of tumor development, the lymph nodes are also involved in the process of tumor growth - they become larger and begin to increase in size, and the tumor continues to grow. The cat reacts very painfully and aggressively to your attempts to touch the sore spot.
4. At the fourth stage of tumor development, the size of the tumor is several times larger than the original tumor, the general condition of the cat’s body is characterized as severe exhaustion, and, unfortunately, no one can help your animal, even surgical intervention at this stage can no longer guarantee positive dynamics . You may be offered a course of painkillers or euthanasia of the animal.

Tumor treatment

As for prescribing a course of treatment, there is only one correct path - surgery and removal of the tumor in its early stages of development.

After all, while the tumor is in the first three stages, you can still treat it and hope for your cat’s recovery, but when time is lost, there is no hope left...

Prevention

Well, preventing the formation of mammary gland tumors in a cat can be done by proper care of the animal (read about it in this article), a balanced diet that contains all the vitamins and minerals necessary for the cat, and also... your love. After all, those cats that are loved get sick less often...

Today we talked about mammary tumors in cats, the types of such tumors, their symptoms, diagnostic methods, the development of such a disease, its treatment and prevention. You can add only one thing to all this - proper cat care and your love - this is the best prevention of tumor formation...

Prevention

It is important to know not only how to treat mastitis in a cat, but also how to prevent it. Below we have prepared a list of useful tips for you in this case:

Reasons for the development of mastitis in a cat

Often, the reason for the appearance of mastitis in a cat lies in the fact that pathogenic microorganisms “settle” in the mammary glands. They cause inflammatory processes. However, this is far from the only reason for the development of such a life-threatening pet.

Lactostasis

Because too much milk is produced or because kittens eat little of it, it stagnates in the mammary glands. As a result, plugs form in the gland ducts, in which bacteria begin to actively multiply. Along with the inflammatory process, pain also increases. The cat's affected mammary glands become very hard. If lactostasis is not eliminated in time, it will turn into mastitis.

False pregnancy

This occurs due to a psychological “failure” in the animal. This condition can also develop in a sterilized pet. This is due to the fact that the animal wants offspring, but fertilization has not occurred. Some scientists believe that the tendency to false pregnancy is inherited. In addition, it often repeats from heat to heat. And if you do not sterilize your cat, it may develop serious complications, including cancer.

In addition to psychological trauma, the cat's hormonal levels change. The brain gives a command to the endocrine glands, which begin to produce hormones that are “natural” to the pregnant body. As a result, the mammary glands produce milk. Of course, there are no kittens, no one drinks milk. Hence the breast overflowing with milk. Its stagnation leads to the development of mastitis in cats.

Weak immunity

Once the immune system weakens, many pathogenic microorganisms begin to multiply in the body. and inflammatory processes can develop in any organ or organ system. The mammary glands provide ideal conditions for the growth of bacteria: warm, humid, nourishing. During their life, microbes release toxins, which lead to the “curdling” of milk and increased inflammation. Pus often appears in milk.

Nipple injuries

As a result of injury, abrasions and scratches may appear on the skin. Through them, like through a gate, bacteria enter the animal’s body. And the further development of events depends on the state of immunity. If he is able to fight, then inflammation may not occur.