One of Pongo's nipples has swollen up and gone very hard, it is surrounded by a hard black crust like a scab. Been like it for a week or so. It seems a little tender (he doesn't like me examining it) but not really upsetting him (he isn't desperate to lick it). He tries to give it a little scratch occasionally, but can't really reach it (it is the lowest nipple, near his willy). Anyone had similar? Is this a vet job, or can anyone recommend a home treatment?
I would get it checked. Among other things, it could be an infection or it could be a mammary gland tumour. Either way, I'd want a vet to have a look.
Snowie got that once - but from injuring it while scratching (it was the highest nipple). I put on some antiseptic and also cortisone cream so that it wasn't itchy, and it healed fine. He has licked the low nipples at his penis - he definitely can reach them all, either by licking or scratching. Not sure though what to say if Pongo's is not a physical injury. Can you call the vet and ask if they recommend you come in?
Obi had a similar lump on his chin recently - weeping, black and crusty. We took him to the vet pronto and it turned out to be an infected wart (infected from him scratching at it). We had to bathe it in very dilute Betadine. It looked pretty sinister until it started to heal properly. All good now though. Lumps of any kind are always best seen by the vet.
Homer regularly gets an inflamed nipple, always the same one, top right near his chest. When it gets inflamed there is a yeast type infection which collects dirt. I gently squeeze out the nipple and wipe it clean with antiseptic Hibiscrub as advised by our vet. Probably best to get it checked out by the vet.
Hello all - yes, I checked it out with the vet, she cleaned away all the black scabby stuff and said it really wasn't anything to worry about, just a minor infection (sounds like the same as Homer, @Jes72 ). I also put a little cream on it (the same as I use when he gets sore spot round his ruff). That seemed to help and he's not bothered by them. Thanks for asking, everyone!
Hi, My dog has the same condition and the vet blew it off as no big deal. I disagree because it's not normal. I don't want to keep going to vets and getting dismissed so I'm doing research. Can you please tell me what type of cream you are using? I would like as much info as possible (the name and also what the active ingredient is plus %). That way if I can't find it by name, at least I can try to get something similar. Also, did it totally clear up the problem with your dog or does it re-occur (and if so, how often?) MANY THANKS!!
Yes my dog has the same black hard stuff on her nipple . I don’t want to squeeze it ! I don’t want to harm her . She’s not in pain either , she was very good to me and allows me to look over her nipples but I’d like to know what antibiotics your using