Pet Q&A

Q My pregnant Staffordshire bull terrier has a lump just behind her nipple. Is this anything to be worried about?

A There are different possible causes for a lump like this to appear.

A small skin wound or hair follicle infection could cause an abscess, or your dog might have mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland), which causes an affected gland to become painful, swollen and warm. Mastitis is most common in dogs around the time of giving birth and early milk production.

A third possibility is a tumour. Tumours of the mammary glands are the most common type in a female dog and if a tumour is diagnosed, your vet may recommend surgery to remove it. Given the range of possible causes, you should take your dog to be checked by your vet who will also be able to give advice about caring for your dog during her pregnancy, afterwards and about puppy care for the future.

Q I think my pet mouse is pregnant. How do I look after her and the babies?

A I would advise making an appointment with your vet to check the health of your mouse and to see if she is pregnant. Mice can breed from six weeks of age, so if she is older than this and living with a male, pregnancy is a possibility.

Pregnancy lasts for 19 to 21 days, and on day 13 there is usually noticeable weight gain. Just before the birth, the mother will make a nest, so provide her with plenty of material, such as clean kitchen roll.

A few hours before delivery, the mouse may have a vaginal discharge and make stretching movements. The birth usually takes place at night and lasts about 30 minutes. The mouse must not be disturbed at this time, as she may harm or abandon her offspring.

Baby mice are born naked and blind with closed ears. Their ears open at four days and they become fully haired when they are between seven to ten days old. They should be weaned by four weeks and must be sexed and separated by 21 days, to avoid breeding.

I would recommend that you only handle the baby mice when they are more than one week old. Always wash your hands before, as strange smells may cause rejection of the babies.

Only take them out for a few minutes. If the parent or babies become agitated or upset, return the babies and give them time before you handle them again.