Doe with single swollen nipple.

[Ren]

My doe- about four years of age- has a single swollen nipple. It doesn't appear to be causing her pain, although there does seem to be dried discharge (or lactate) around it, which I was unable to clean off. (I will have a more focussed cleaning attempt tomorrow.) It's no more than three times the size of her other nipples, and the swelling appears to be just on the nipple- there's no swelling or lumps on her belly.
She's acting fine, good appetite, not moody or unhappy. She's never been pregnant, and (unfortunately) is not spayed. She's never had a phantom pregnancy and is showing absolutely no signs of one now. In other words, there are zero behavioural issues to be concerned about.

Any ideas as to what this is? Is it just a weird little flare-up or should I start panicking? (Also I will supply pictures if I can- my camera is currently out of commission.)

 

[MaggieJ]

I'm not too confident giving an opinion in this case, as I have never come across that problem. That said, it sounds like the nipple may be infected. Is there any sign of abnormal heat around the nipple that might indicate infection? Pictures would help us to get a better idea of the problem.

I'd try warm compresses to help clean it up and draw out any infection. Tea makes a soothing compress or you could simply use warm water.

 

[Ren]

I didn't notice any heat, and it's not particularly red either. I'll try using some green tea, and hope she's cooperative! Fingers crossed it helps- at the very least it may help soften the discharge so I can clean it off.
Thanks for the reply, will post an update once I've given it a go.

UPDATE: The compress didn't really do anything short-term; it didn't soften the discharge/lactate (although I'm thinking it's partly dried skin as well), and it didn't produce any more either. And now I have a rather unhappy bunny sulking by my bed.