Mammary gland tumors are a common health problem in female dogs, especially those who have not been spayed or who were spayed later in life.
These tumors in dogs can be benign or malignant, and their treatment depends on many factors, from the type of tumor to how far it has spread.
Understanding mammary gland tumors, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options is extremely important for every dog owner seeking the long-term health of their pet.
Causes of mammary gland tumors in dogs
The main risk factor for mammary gland tumors is the hormonal status of the bitch. Female dogs who have not been spayed or who have been spayed at an older age have a much higher risk of developing mammary gland tumors.
Leer mas
Brown Labrador: The most important thing before buying a dog
Hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, stimulate the growth of mammary gland tissue, placing unspayed females at increased risk of mammary gland cancer.
Some breeds are also more prone to this disease. Research shows that toy and miniature poodles, cocker spaniels and German shepherds are more prone to mammary tumors. The age of the dog is also an important factor: dogs over the age of 7 are at greater risk of developing this disease.
Types of canine mammary gland tumors
Mammary gland tumors in bitches are divided into two main categories: benign and malignant tumors.
- Benign tumors (adenomas) they usually grow more slowly, are less dangerous, and do not tend to spread to other organs. But even benign tumors can become dangerous if they become too large or press on surrounding tissue.
- Malignant tumorssuch as adenocarcinomas and carcinomas, represent a much greater risk. They can quickly spread (metastasize) to other tissues, especially the lymph nodes, lungs, and liver. Malignant tumors often require more aggressive treatment and have a worse prognosis if diagnosed late.
One of the most aggressive forms of cancer is inflammatory carcinoma of the mammary glands. This form is characterized by extremely rapid growth, severe inflammation of the mammary glands, pain and redness.
Leer mas
When can a pet’s behavior indicate illness?
Inflammatory carcinoma often affects multiple glands at the same time and has an extremely poor prognosis.
Symptoms of mammary gland tumors
In the early stages, mammary gland tumors may not cause any noticeable symptoms. Most often, owners notice small, round, or irregular lumps under the dog’s skin, especially in the lower abdomenwhere the mammary glands are located.
Tumors can be solid or soft, mobile or attached to underlying tissues. Dogs that develop more than one tumor may have tumors in different glands or even in the same gland.
If the tumor is malignant, it can grow rapidly and cause other symptoms, such as skin ulcers or bleeding from the affected glands.
Leer mas
Cat skin diseases and their symptoms
Malignant tumors can also cause weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea. Malignant tumors can also cause breathing problems and shortness of breath in dogs, especially if the cancer has metastasized to the lung
If you notice a lump or swelling in your dog’s mammary glands, it is imperative to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible, as early diagnosis is the key to a better prognosis.
Tumor treatment options
The choice of treatment depends on the type of tumor (benign or malignant), its size, location and degree of spread. Treatment for breast cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and, in rare cases, radiation therapy.
- Surgery It is the most commonly used and effective way to treat both benign and malignant breast tumors. If the tumor is benign, a smaller excision with narrower surgical margins is usually performed. If the tumor is malignant, a larger surgical excision is recommended to remove not only the tumor but also the surrounding tissue to reduce the risk of tumor recurrence and metastasis.
- Sterilization Surgical removal can also help prolong the dog’s life and reduce the risk of breast cancer in the future.
- Chemotherapy it is usually prescribed in cases where the tumors are malignant and have a high risk of metastasis. This type of treatment aims to kill cancer cells that may have spread to other organs. Chemotherapy may be used along with surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)such as meloxicam or carprofen, can be used to suppress the inflammation and pain associated with breast cancer. Research shows that NSAIDs may also help suppress the growth of tumors in dogs with certain types of cancer.
Where to go for mammary cancer in dogs?
Mammary gland tumors can be dangerous, especially if they are not diagnosed and treated in time. It is very important for dog owners to regularly check their pets’ health, pay attention to any changes, and seek veterinary care immediately if they notice any suspicious symptoms.
Leer mas
Pregnancy in cats: duration, characteristics of birth and help
If you notice signs of mammary gland cancer, we urge you to contact experienced veterinary specialists without delay.
The oncologist Gabriele, specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of dog cancer, and the soft tissue surgeon Edmundas, capable of performing complex surgical interventions, work in the veterinary clinic.
Register for a consultation at a veterinary clinic and discuss your pet’s health status and possible treatment options. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can save your pet’s life!
latest posts published
Belgian Malinois: characteristics of the dog breed
Norwegian Buhund: characteristics of the dog breed
Caring for the Chinese Water Dragon
The best brushes for cats
How to choose the best chew toys and treats for your dog
How to train your puppy to walk on a leash
Czech Terrier (Cesky Terrier): characteristics of the dog breed
Pembroke Welsh Corgi: characteristics of the dog breed
The best bags for carrying cats
