10 year old chihuahua female breast

Question
A breeder is giving away some of his older dogs, and I drove to another state to get one. I have had female chihuahuas before, but have always sprayed them.

The first offered was 15 very overweight pounds and real sweet 9 years old. The second was 9 years, and  11 pounds and more feisty. (All Deers)
Then as we talked, he said he had one that was exceptional, and thought I was the one for her, however, she had a cataract. As I'm a senior with a cataract, that didn't brother me as I'm looking for a companion only. I asked as her age is 10 and I know the avg life is 15, would he give me another when she passed and he said yes. She weighs 5 1/2 pounds and real pretty. She is a long hair, with beautiful puppies (last litter 3 months) but, had lived her whole life in a cement kennel. She had "Hot spots", a few mats, and fleas. I brought her home to my high rise, and took her over to the park across the street and she was uncomfortable on the grass. She didn't try to run, and after 15 hours, still has not barked.I called him and he said she didn't bark often, but she could. I took her in and "clipped" the mats, gently bathed her in the kitchen sink with Dawn dish washing soap. And combed the hair with a wide tooth comb. I used three towels to dry her and held her for an hour in a Turkish towel. (She was worn out, but not scratching) and went to sleep. I led her to the food, (same as what they fed her) and water. She didn't eat or drink. She has peed 1 time, no bowel movement and hasn't eaten or taken water. I let her sleep on my bed for a couple of hours and then put her in her crate. We have noticed she has one breast near the vagina, that looks like it has milk in it.  

Is this a normal reaction for an older dog being moved to a new home, or is she in need of something? I want whats best for her, yet, I'm income challenged. Thank you so much Bev


Answer
Bev -

It appears as though your new doggie needs to get used to her new surroundings. Also, it has been my experience that dogs and cats that are used for breeding are not always as socialized as we would like for them to be.  Many breeders keep their dogs in cages a great deal of the time and these animals are not exposed to a lot of people.  

You did not mention whether or not your new pup had been spayed.  Regardless, you should have that "breast" you mentioned examined.  Dogs can get breast cancer just humans can and that area needs to be checked out by a veterinarian.  You should also consider having a complete physical exam done on your dog - nine years is considered advanced age and a geriatric exam along with bloodwork would benefit your pet.  

Consider having her spayed if she is still intact.  There is the risk that she might develop an infected uterus which may make her very ill and her risk of certain cancers of developing is increased if she remains intact.  Talk it over with your veterinarian to determine if spaying is the right thing for your dog.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM