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Mammary tumor in a dog: from early diagnosis to postoperative care. Mammary tumors in dogs and cats

In recent years, mammary tumors in four-legged friends have been increasingly diagnosed by veterinarians. According to statistics, approximately half of such neoplasms are associated with cancer. Females are affected by the disease, but males are also likely to develop the disease.

Having discovered a swelling in the pet’s abdomen, the owner should not immediately panic, because such a condition does not always indicate cancer; it may be associated with the development of a benign formation. Modern advances in veterinary medicine make it possible to diagnose and determine the type of tumor and, in some cases, successfully fight the disease.

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Causes of neoplasms in dogs

Older animals over 6 years of age are primarily at risk. At the age of 10 years, according to veterinary statistics, every fifth dog undergoes a neoplasm.

Reasons for the development of pathology	Rationale
Genetic predisposition	Representatives of such breeds as Caucasian and German shepherds, Yorkshire terriers, poodles, setters, English cocker spaniels, and Maltese dogs, according to veterinarians and breeders, are most often susceptible to mammary gland cancer.
Heredity	There is numerous evidence that a high risk of developing neoplasms in the mammary glands remains in the presence of a similar disease in the canine family.
Hormonal imbalances	Sex hormones often take an active part in the pathogenesis of the development of a particular neoplasm. The results of scientific research indicate that in non-sterilized females the risk of developing cancer pathology increases significantly compared to sterilized individuals.

In addition, the likelihood of developing a malignant tumor during early surgery to remove the reproductive organs (at the age of 6 months) in a dog is practically zero.

As for the later dates of sterilization, this approach reduces the risk of developing a benign tumor, but, unfortunately, has little effect on the formation of malignant pathology. Lack of matings and empty heats are a common cause of mammary cancer in dogs of reproductive age.

Allergic reactions, serious metabolic disorders, and contact with toxic and carcinogenic substances can also lead to oncological pathology.

Types of breast tumors

In veterinary practice, there are more than a dozen different types of mammary gland tumors in dogs. A complex classification is associated with the histological structure of the tumor, its localization, and damage to a particular tissue/cellular structure. In general, all neoplasms are divided into benign and malignant (cancerous).

Malignant

The main distinguishing feature of a cancer tumor is its rapid growth and ability to metastasize throughout the body. There are two forms of malignant neoplasms in dogs: nodular and diffuse. In the first case, the swelling is small and can be single or multiple.

In the diffuse form, an extensive, diffuse, pathological formation without clear boundaries is observed. This form of pathology has the most unfavorable prognosis for the life of a pet.

Types of malignant breast lesions include:

papillary adenocarcinoma;
armored cancer;
carcinoma;
anaplastic cancer;
sarcoma;
tubular cancer.

The most aggressive form of neoplasms is adenocarcinoma and the armored type of pathology. Both varieties are characterized by lightning-fast growth and the rapid formation of metastases to internal organs and regional lymph nodes.

Benign

This type of neoplasm in the dog’s mammary gland is characterized by long-term development, absence of metastases, and a favorable prognosis for the sick pet. The following types of such tumors are known in veterinary practice:

adenomas;
fibroadenomas;
papillomas;
mixed neoplasms.

Most often, fibroadenoma is diagnosed in dogs, which accounts for approximately 35 - 40% of calls for swelling in the mammary glands.

Symptoms of the presence of pathology

The external location of the mammary glands greatly facilitates the early detection of a dangerous pathology. However, in order to detect a tumor in a timely manner, the owner should regularly feel the pet’s abdominal area. The following symptoms should alert you:

The presence of one or more lumps under the skin. Redness of the skin is often detected.
The consistency of the formations can be dense, soft, loose.
On palpation, compactions may be mobile or tightly fused with surrounding tissues.
The nipples change their anatomical configuration, increase in size, and change color.

Invasive ductal breast cancer

Upon palpation, the animal may become restless, which indicates pain.
The seals are hot to the touch.
In advanced cases, ulceration and tumor opening with the formation of fistulas are observed.
When pressed, a purulent or bloody mass flows out of the nipple.
The general condition of the dog also changes. The animal becomes lethargic, apathetic, avoids its favorite games, and is reluctant to go for a walk. The dog often licks the sore spot. There is a deterioration in appetite or a complete refusal to feed.

If open wounds become infected, hyperthermia develops and the dog’s condition deteriorates sharply. Regional lymph nodes enlarge and become painful.

Animal diagnostic methods

If your pet detects any lump, even one that seems insignificant at first glance, in the area of the mammary glands, it is necessary to urgently visit a specialized clinic. The veterinarian will palpate and determine the shape, boundaries of the formation, and the presence of a reaction from the regional lymph nodes. After a clinical analysis of the history, the animal is prescribed an x-ray examination of the diseased area.

X-ray (lateral projection): breast cancer with metastases to the lungs and pleura

An informative diagnostic method is breast biopsy under ultrasound control followed by cytological examination of the material. Based on histological analysis, the final diagnosis is made. Magnetic resonance imaging is used as an additional method for examining the mammary gland in veterinary practice.

To clarify the general condition of the animal, a clinical blood and urine test is prescribed. X-rays of the chest and abdominal organs are performed to identify metastases.

Treatment of education

The strategy for qualified care for mammary cancer in a dog is largely determined by the type and form of the neoplasm, the stage of development of the pathology, the age and general condition of the pet, the involvement of lymphatic tissue in the process, and the presence of metastases.

Removal via operation

The radical treatment method is surgical removal of the pathological area. Mastectomy has a number of varieties. Only one half of the mammary gland ridge or the entire ridge can be excised.

a) Carcinosarcoma of the mammary gland against the background of diffuse purulent mastitis; b) After mastectomy

The operation requires a highly qualified surgeon, professional knowledge of surgical techniques, knowledge of the characteristics of lymphatic drainage and compliance with the rules of antiblastics (preventing cancer cells from entering the surgical wound).

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy in veterinary practice is used as an additional method of therapy after surgical excision of a tumor and as an independent treatment if surgery is not possible. It is not a 100% panacea; its use is associated with the development of severe complications from the liver, kidneys, and cardiovascular system.

Recovery after

The recovery period after a mastectomy lasts about several months. The animal must be provided with complete rest. On the recommendation of a doctor, the external seams are treated with antiseptic agents. The animal's diet should consist of complete protein and be enriched with vitamins and minerals. 1 - 1.5 months after the operation, the dog must undergo a control radiographic examination.

For information on the causes, symptoms and treatment of mammary cancer in dogs, watch this video:

Forecast

The worst prognosis for a pet is the diffuse form of cancer. Benign tumors, as a rule, respond well to the use of chemotherapy. Surgical excision of adenoma or fibroadenoma gives a favorable prognosis.

The discovery of adenocarcinoma in a dog gives little chance of a complete recovery, even with a combined treatment method (mastectomy and chemotherapy).

Prevention of breast tumors

The owner can prevent severe pathology in a four-legged pet by following the following recommendations from veterinary specialists:

If the animal is not purchased for breeding and does not represent breed value, the dog should be sterilized at the age of 6 months.
Do not use hormonal drugs to control sexual behavior.
Regularly examine the mammary glands to detect lumps.
Visit a veterinarian every six months when the animal reaches 6 years of age.
Promptly treat genital diseases in dogs.
Adhere to the principle of rational nutrition, take more walks with your pet outside the city, and avoid stressful situations.

A mammary tumor in dogs does not always mean a cancerous condition. The detection of even a slight swelling in the abdominal area should be a reason to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. The radical treatment method is most often a mastectomy followed by a course of chemotherapy. The prognosis largely depends on the form and stage of the oncological process.

In the modern world, the leading position among all kinds of ailments, unfortunately, is occupied by cancer pathologies. And this trend concerns not only people, but also pets. Almost half of the cases of tumor neoplasms in dogs involve tumors localized in the mammary glands (MG). Naturally, this disease mostly affects female dogs, but in one case out of a hundred it can also affect male dogs. How can such a disease be detected in the early stages, what are the prognosis for treatment and how dangerous is the disease?

Modern medicine, both in the case of humans and animals, has not elucidated the exact causes of the development of tumors. Their appearance is associated with exposure to carcinogens, the level of which is high in cities with poor environmental conditions.

The risk of developing the disease increases significantly if:

the dog eats moldy food;
the animal has been infected for a long time;
there is a predisposition at the genetic level.

The last point is worth considering in more detail. Research has revealed that not only humans have a predisposition to cancer, but also our little brothers. The following breeds are at risk:

miniature and toy poodle;
spaniel – and springer;
German Shepherd;

Mammary cancer mainly occurs in animals over 5 years of age, although recently there has been a trend toward “rejuvenation” of this type of disease.

Types of AMF in dogs

All tumor formations, and there are many types of them, are primarily divided into two classes - benign and malignant. Moreover, they are diagnosed according to statistics 50/50.

Among benign formations, the most common tumors are those consisting of cells of various types - benign mixed ones, containing connective and glandular tissues. Other types of benign tumors may consist of complex adenomas, fibroadenomas, papillomas formed in the milk ducts or simple adenomas.

Malignant AML consists of adenocarcenomas - tubular, papillary, papillary cystic, carcinomas - solid or anaplastic; osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma. There are also malignant tumors consisting of several types of cancer cells.

Symptoms of AMF in dogs

A tumor in a pet may be a solid formation or several lumps. They can be easily detected by palpating the dog’s mammary glands. A formation that has appeared recently will resemble a hardened pea, which is extremely difficult to move in the subcutaneous layers. Often, AMF rapidly increase in size and can double in size in 20-30 days.

The dog has five glands, each of which has a nipple. Cancer can affect any of them, but most often it develops in the fourth and fifth glands. In every second case, several formations are detected.

Benign tumors most often have a smooth surface, small size and slow growth.

Malignant tumors have their own characteristics:

they grow very quickly;
have an irregular shape;
have a stable position on the surface of the skin or other tissues;
with this type of tumor bleeding is possible;
Ulcerative lesions and tissue redness may be observed;
When lymph nodes are affected, swelling of the limbs often occurs.

The difficulty in identifying malignant AML lies in the fact that the above symptoms relate to the late stages of the disease. The early stages of the disease occur without obvious signs and do not bother the pet. If you do not probe regularly, glandular cancer can only be detected in the later stages.

There are tumors that do not develop for a long time, and then begin to grow sharply. But such a course of the disease is quite rare.

It is also rare for dogs to have a diffuse type of cancer (edematous-infiltrative), which is accompanied by the formation of a painful lump that does not have clearly defined boundaries. This tumor is accompanied by tissue hyperemia and sometimes increased body temperature. If your dog exhibits any symptoms, it is necessary to see a veterinarian.

Diagnostic measures to identify AML

It is extremely difficult to determine the type of tumor formation using only examination of the animal. For a more accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to take material from the seal - a biopsy. This study allows us to identify the malignancy or benignity of formations.

Aggressive tumors often grow into nearby nodes of the lymphatic system, lungs and have metastases. X-ray of the chest area and palpation (palpation) of the lymph nodes can reveal this. In dogs, regional lymph nodes are located under the front (axillary) and hind (inguinal) paws.

The first three mammary glands spread cancer cells to the axillary lymph nodes, and the fourth and fifth to the groin. From here, the disease spreads throughout the body, affecting all organs and systems, but initially new tumors form here.

If the spread of metastases into the abdominal cavity is suspected, an ultrasound scan is prescribed. If the pet is limping, then an x-ray of the paw is prescribed to check for damage to bone tissue by cancer cells.

In the process of comprehensive diagnostics, it is possible to determine the stage of the disease. The wider the spread of the formation, the more dangerous the stage. Most often, it is finally clarified after a histological examination of the tissues of the removed tumor and regional lymph nodes.

With a diffuse form of the tumor, differential diagnosis is required, since all the symptoms of the disease are similar to mastopathy.

Treatment of a mammary tumor in a dog

Mammary tumor in a dog photo

Modern medicine offers treatment for various types of tumors, even malignant ones. Naturally, the methods and outcome depend on the stage of the disease, the type of tumor, the pet’s health condition and other factors. In the last stages of cancer, the prognosis is disappointing, and treatment is carried out more as a maintenance therapy for the animal.

Benign formations must be removed surgically using general anesthesia.

If the diagnosis reveals a malignant tumor, then in this case radical measures are taken, but with complete amputation of the gland - mastectomy. In addition, not only the affected mammary glands must be removed, but also the surrounding tissues, as well as regional lymph nodes into which cancer cells can penetrate.

Surgical intervention is prescribed only if the patient is operable, and this is clarified through additional studies. Diagnosis is based on identifying existing chronic ailments and the degree of damage to the body.

If stages 3-4 of the disease are confirmed, the pet is prescribed systematic courses of chemotherapy to suppress the growth and reproduction of cancer cells.

If the last stage of the disease is accompanied by the formation of distant metastases, then there is no way to cure the dog. In this case, palliative therapy is used to improve the pet’s quality of life and eliminate unpleasant symptoms of the disease:

use of antibacterial agents;
relieving inflammation;
pain relief, etc.

Some veterinarians practice combined mastectomy and oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries), but there is no evidence of the effectiveness of this method.

Hormone therapy with the drug Tamoxifen in the treatment of malignant tumors in animals in the mammary glands has not found proper use, since detailed studies have not been conducted. This type of cancer treatment in animals requires further study.

Breast tumor on video

Preventive measures

Studies have shown that the most effective method of preventing the formation of malignant AMF in animals is early sterilization. If the operation is performed before the onset of the first estrus, then the risk of developing a dangerous disease is only 0.05%.

This figure increases to 8% in the case of sterilization after the first heat. When the reproductive organs of a female are removed after the 2nd heat, the chance of malignant neoplasms in the mammary glands increases to 26%. Carrying out this operation after two years of age does not affect the formation of cervical cancer.

For owners of dogs that have not been exposed, experts recommend regularly examining the animal’s mammary glands, carefully but carefully palpating them. It is especially important to do this a month or two after estrus, because during this period inflammation most often develops and the affected cells begin to rapidly divide.

Cancers are more often found in older animals, so if any lump is detected, you should consult a specialist. The same is true in the case of disease in young animals, since the disease often affects young animals.

Cancer is a terrible diagnosis not only for people, but also for our pets. And, unfortunately, cancer in dogs is not something exceptional or rare. According to veterinarians, about 30% of males and about 50% of females over the age of 10 suffer from this fatal disease. Is it possible to defeat oncology? What should an owner do to help a four-legged family member?

Human cancer is practically no different from animal cancer - it is a non-contagious cellular mutation that occurs at the DNA level. In recent years, many researchers have confirmed the “single cell theory.” According to this theory, terrible changes suddenly occur in a single cell and it “forgets” its functions. Over time, by dividing the mutated cells become more and more numerous, they form into groups - tumors, and into daughter formations - metastases. For example, breast cancer in dogs often leads to the formation of metastases in bone or lung tissue, in the liver or kidneys.

Gradually, the tumor grows, replacing and displacing healthy cells of the organ. Because cancer cells do not “remember” their functions, the organ stops working properly. In addition, the tumor physically compresses adjacent tissues, which leads to even greater inhibition of performance. When the neoplasm begins to decompose, bleeding, ulceration and other signs of tissue breakdown are detected.

Owners often wonder whether dogs have cancer of one or another organ. Unfortunately, animals suffer from all types of cancer to which humans are predisposed. Mostly old animals suffer from cancer, but sometimes young animals aged 1-3 years, most often females, suffer. There is no universal cure, because... cancer is a general name for various types of mutations, i.e. several different diseases. You can support your dog with folk remedies, but only a veterinarian should treat it!

Contrary to popular belief, most types of cancer can be defeated once and for all. But provided that the disease is detected at an early stage, and the veterinarian is an oncologist, and not a regular therapist.

It is impossible to say for sure how long dogs with cancer live - it depends on many individual factors. If cancer cells are not too active, and the disease is detected at an early stage, a complete cure or a full life for many years is possible. Much depends on the location of the tumor - the diseased kidney can be removed, but surgery on the story’s brain is not always possible. Therefore, the veterinarian will answer this question only after a thorough examination and monitoring of the dynamics of the disease.

Types and symptoms of cancer

Oncological diseases are very insidious and develop unnoticed, without any signs of illness in the early stages. Moreover, in 90% of cases, cancer can be cured at stage I or 0, and if a dog has stage II or III cancer, the chances of recovery drop to 50%. Therefore, prevention and regular annual visits to the clinic - examination, and urine biochemistry tests are extremely important.

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The lion's share of malignant tumors occurs in non-sterile bitches due to constant hormonal changes during periods of estrus, childbirth, feeding and pregnancy. Many owners of bitches ask veterinarians whether dogs get cancer if the girl has never given birth or, on the contrary, gives birth from heat to heat. Unfortunately, this is not of particular importance - nulliparous people, those who have given birth once, and those who give birth through estrus or every estrus get sick. Therefore, veterinarians recommend sterilizing all bitches that are not of breeding value: removal of the uterus and ovaries is 100% protection against cancer of these organs and 90% protection against breast cancer. In addition, all females are sterilized at the age of 7-8 years (at the end of breeding work).

1. Breast cancer in dogs can be detected at an early stage by palpation (unexplained lumps, lumps, lumps in the nipples). The owner should regularly feel the bitch's nipples, gently and without pressure, or visit the clinic regularly for examination by a doctor. In the later stages, the tumors are clearly noticeable - the nipples enlarge, change shape and color, protruding bumps appear (if the tumor opens, a bleeding ulcer will remain in its place).

2. Uterine cancer is more difficult to detect in dogs. As a rule, the only external manifestations are constant spotting, characteristic of many other diseases (pyometra, endometritis, genital infections). An indirect sign is miscarriages, non-viable offspring, empty matings. The disease is promoted by hormonal drugs (anything that shifts in time or stops estrus, any contraception like a sex barrier, etc.). Many of these drugs lead to tumor formation after a single use!

Obvious signs of cancer in dogs appear only in the later stages. In addition to direct symptoms, which depend on the location of the tumor, a general deterioration in the condition is noticeable - sudden whining (pain), gastrointestinal disorders, weakness and apathy, reluctance to make contact or intrusiveness, drowsiness, loss of interest in what previously caused delight (treats, games).

3. Large and giant dogs are often diagnosed with bone cancer. Symptoms also appear in the later stages, so owners of breeds at risk (all heavy large dogs) should immediately contact a veterinarian if they notice slight lameness, changes in gait, cautious movements, some fatigue and/or reluctance to follow commands associated with running or jumping.

4. Skin cancer in dogs accounts for about 15% of all cancer diagnoses. Unfortunately, the fur makes it difficult to notice the tumor, so you need to carefully examine your pet while bathing and brushing. The neoplasm resembles a mole, pigment spot, or crusty lump that does not go away. The color varies, from pink to almost black. In any case, if something strange appears on your pet’s skin, contact your veterinarian.

Owners often think that squamous cell carcinoma in dogs only occurs on the skin. In fact, this type of cancer affects the cells of the squamous epithelium and mucous membranes, and they are found on the internal organs and in the mouth.

5. Cancer of the stomach and intestines is manifested by symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract: alternating constipation and diarrhea, changes in appetite, vomiting, blood in the stool (black - stomach, scarlet - intestines). There is noticeable weight loss, some weakness and drowsiness, and anemia develops. Often dogs, even with well-groomed teeth, develop an unpleasant, intrusive odor from their mouths.

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6. Liver cancer in dogs often leads to jaundice (yellowish mucous membranes) due to bile entering the blood. In the early stages, appetite deteriorates somewhat and activity decreases; stool changes (color, smell, consistency) are possible. The dog gradually loses weight, becomes weaker, and loses interest in life. Without treatment, cachexia quickly sets in - almost complete refusal of food, rapid exhaustion, complete apathy, constant diarrhea and vomiting.

7. Lung cancer begins with a dry, hysterical, debilitating cough. The dog suddenly coughs and breathes heavily without experiencing physical exertion. Over time, the cough becomes wet, and the sputum may contain patches of pus and/or blood.

8. Spleen cancer in dogs, like in people, is diagnosed relatively rarely. There are no specific symptoms observed, the signs of malaise are general - weakness, poor appetite, exhaustion, cachexia, apathy. Possible ascites - accumulation of fluid in the peritoneum.

9. Kidney cancer also does not manifest itself until the later stages. Noticeable signs include blood in the urine, colic (strange gait, whining, constrained movements). The dog gradually weakens, moves less, eats poorly, and swelling of the limbs may appear.

Diagnostic methods

There is an opinion that dogs sense cancer by a specific smell - many cancer institutes have conducted successful studies confirming this theory. Unfortunately, even if a dog’s nose can smell cancer in a person, the pet is unlikely to detect the disease in himself, and it is even more doubtful that he will be able to somehow inform the owner about it. Therefore, it is important to undergo a preventive examination once a year and take urine and blood tests for biochemistry - a certain shift in the indicators will allow the veterinarian to suspect something is wrong at the very beginning of the development of the disease. To confirm or refute the diagnosis, you will need to donate blood and urine again to detect “tumor markers”, the presence of which is highly likely to suspect cancer.

Since it is possible to diagnose cancer in a dog only by conducting a targeted study, various “search” methods are used to confirm the diagnosis. The choice of method depends on what type of cancer and location the veterinarian suspects. In particular, these are x-rays, ultrasound, fluorography, mammography, gastroscopy, MRI or CT; consultation with a highly specialized specialist is required. If a tumor is detected, the doctor will take a puncture - a piece of tissue for cellular analysis (to determine whether it is cancer or a benign formation).

About 50% of bitches develop cancer. Uncontrolled cell growth is usually observed in the mammary glands. If the disease is detected at an early stage, then euthanasia of the pet can be avoided.

General information about breast cancer

The mammary glands consist of:

Inguinal glands.
Abdominal glands.
Mammary glands.

Oncological tumors are understood as malignant neoplasms that consist of modified cells. At the same time, their uncontrolled division is observed.

Where do tumors appear?

Tumors are localized in 4-5 glands.
In 30-38% of cases, several oncological neoplasms are detected.
The disease almost always affects females.
Very rarely, in 1% of all cases, AMF is diagnosed in male dogs.

The disease mainly appears in females.

Risk group

The German Shepherd dog breed is at risk.

Typically the disease is diagnosed in:

Maltese dogs;
German Shepherds;
setters;
springers;
English Cocker Spaniels;
toy poodles;
Yorkshire Terriers;
miniature poodles.

Yorkshire Terriers are often diagnosed with the disease.

Medical statistics state that the disease usually occurs in older animals.

Increased risk

The risk of developing cancer increases significantly against the background of:

the presence of moldy food in the dog’s diet;
prolonged infection of the dog with worms; “bad” heredity.

Moldy food can cause illness.

Main causes of mammary cancer in dogs

The root cause of the development of the oncological process may be:

Development of thyroid disease.
Metabolism failures.
Lack of pregnancy and childbirth.
Irregularity of estrus.
Disturbed hormonal levels.
Weak immunity.

Dogs that have not given birth are at higher risk of developing the disease.

Sometimes a benign process transforms into a malignant one. Therefore, if a benign tumor is detected, all measures must be taken to prevent oncology. This is the only way to save your pet.

Clinical picture and symptoms

The tumor can be presented in the form of either a single solid neoplasm, or in the form of several compactions .
The owner can detect them on his own. For this he will need carefully palpate your pet's mammary glands .
A newly grown tumor resembles a hard pea , which almost does not move in the subcutaneous layers.
Sometimes OMF grows rapidly in size and in 3-4 weeks it doubles.
Distinguish a benign neoplasm from a malignant one can only veterinarian . A noncancerous tumor has a smooth surface. She has a small size. It grows quite slowly.

With the help of palpation, the tumor can be detected independently.

Malignant tumor

The following are characteristic of a malignant neoplasm:

Rapid growth.
Wrong shape.
Stability on the surface of the skin and other tissues.
The appearance of bleeding.
Changing the shade of fabrics.
The appearance of ulcers.
Swelling of the paws.

Swelling of the paws occurs with a malignant tumor.

The latter symptom appears only when the lymph nodes are affected.

The insidiousness of the pathology lies in the fact that all these signs are present only when it progresses to the later stages.

Early stages

In the early stages, cancer develops asymptomatically. Without regular palpation of the mammary glands, a dangerous disease can only be detected when it has developed to a critical stage.

At an early stage, cancer is difficult to detect.

Special cases in dogs

Sometimes nonspecific neoplasms are diagnosed. They may not develop for some time. Then their growth is characterized by amazing speed. But this is observed quite rarely.
Some animals are diagnosed with a diffuse type of oncological pathology. It is characterized by the appearance of painful lumps that do not have clear boundaries.
In this case, tissue hyperemia is observed. Body temperature may increase.

Oncological pathology is accompanied by elevated temperature.

Diagnostic features

To clarify the diagnosis, the veterinarian prescribes the following:

X-rays.
Biopsies.
Cytology.
Aspiration.

To make a diagnosis, radiography is prescribed.

With help X-ray examinations , metastases are found in the lungs and lymph nodes. Ultrasound reveals tumors in the abdominal cavity.
Breast secretions sent for microscopic analysis.
Aspiration and cytology reveal inflammation . And these diagnostic methods also help determine the type of tumor and how sensitive it is to the effects of medications.
The most effective and informative diagnostic method is histological analysis . It allows you to determine the nature of the detected tumor.
The stage of pathology is determined by the size of the tumor . But the absence or presence of metastasis is also taken into account. In addition, the specialist undertakes to assess the extent of damage to nearby organs.
If , recommended x-ray of the paw . This will help determine the presence of bone metastases.

The symptoms of diffuse cancer resemble those of mastopathy.

In order to clarify the diagnosis, differential diagnosis is prescribed.

What to do and how to treat!

If the initial diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor resorts to mastectomy.

The mammary gland is removed. Often, regional lymph nodes are removed at the same time.

Treatment is carried out in the form of surgery.

Operation possible only in the absence chronic pathologies. Otherwise, the four-legged client is considered inoperable.

Chemotherapy

If the disease has developed to stages 3-4, then the dog is prescribed a chemotherapy course. Treatment should be systematic. This allows you to suppress the growth and division of cancer cells.

Chemotherapy is prescribed if the disease begins to progress.

In some cases it is shown spaying . But there is no evidence of the effectiveness of this method yet.

Drug therapy

If distant metastases are detected, the doctor prescribes palliative therapy. This can significantly improve the pet’s quality of life. To relieve painful symptoms, the following are used:

painkillers;
anti-inflammatory drugs;
antibacterial drugs.

Painkillers are used to relieve symptoms of the disease.

Hormone therapy

Some veterinarians use Tamoxifen. But the effectiveness of hormonal therapy has not yet been thoroughly studied. No detailed studies have been conducted. The final conclusion will be made after additional research.

In some cases, veterinarians recommend the drug Tamoxifen for treatment.

conclusions

The prognosis after treatment depends on many factors. First of all, the stage of the pathological process is taken into account. The type of neoplasm and the general condition of the dog are also taken into account.

When the pathology progresses to the last degree, the prognosis is disappointing. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend euthanasia.

The best preventive measure is early sterilization. It is advisable to carry it out before the first heat. So the risk of developing cancer pathology decreases to 0.05-0.06% .

Prevention of the disease is early sterilization.

Video about mammary gland tumors in dogs

Under the term " breast tumor", or for short, OMG, understand the abnormal enlargement of mammary gland tissue, their compaction and pathological growth.

Wherein Mammary tumors develop and behave differently in dogs and cats. In addition, there are many differences in the nature of the origin of tumors in dogs and cats.

In this article I will try to briefly talk about mammary tumors in dogs and cats, explain the reasons for their occurrence and analyze measures to prevent the formation of mammary tumors in dogs and cats.

Mammary tumors in dogs

Mammary gland tumors are quite common in dogs., according to some sources Every second dog suffers from AMD, and to By the age of 15, 70% of bitches have a mammary tumor.

Rice. 1 AOM in a dog. There are very few chances.

Rice. 2 The neoplasm was noticed on time. This tumor can be removed without consequences

Rice. 3 The same dog. The tumor was removed.

In dogs, mammary tumors are benign nature. In approximately 40% of cases, a diagnosis of carcinoma is made, but even in this case, as a rule, the development of the tumor is benign.

Fig. 2 Mixed adenoma in a dog

Mammary tumors in dogs are hormone dependent, i.e. their development is directly related to the hormonal background of female sex hormones in the body. If you don't plan to breed a bitch- Necessarily perform an ovariohysterectomy(castration, i.e. complete removal of the uterus and ovaries). There is a direct correlation between the age of castration of a female dog and the risk of developing a mammary tumor.

Attention!
Carrying out ovariohysterectomy before the first estrus eliminates the development of AMF and reduces the risk of the disease to zero

Carrying out an ovariohysterectomy after the first estrus reduces the risk of developing breast cancer by 90%

Carrying out an ovariohysterectomy after the second heat reduces the risk of developing mammary tumors by 70%

Carrying out ovariohysterectomy after the third estrus has NO effect on the development of AMF.

Conclusion - early castration of a female dog completely eliminates the risk of developing mammary tumors. I recommend that owners of non-productive bitches, females that you do not intend to breed and get offspring from, think carefully and weigh what you have read above.

Treatment of AMF in dogs

These recommendations are written on the basis of my personal observations, based on experience in veterinary medicine, statistical literature data and the results of recent studies of the problem of AMF in bitches by foreign colleagues.

Tumor treatment is only surgical. There is no scientifically proven data on the treatment of AMF in dogs through chemotherapy, homeopathy, witchcraft, shamanism, dancing with a tambourine, attracting cosmic energy, traveling to the astral plane, etc. Trying to cure the tumor with these methods, you risk losing your dog, because... The period at which early tumor removal and successful treatment are possible has already passed.

The owner of the animal should be aware that the macrotumor (visible to the eye) that you see on the dog’s mammary gland is most likely surrounded by a cascade of microtumors that are invisible to the naked eye, but threaten to subsequently become macroscopic and increase in size. Therefore, the main principle of surgical intervention is excision of the tumor along as wide a margin as possible. In practice, I have verified that when making a skin incision, a distance of 3-5 cm from the edge of the tumor (in cases where this is possible) almost completely eliminates the possibility of relapses.

Early diagnosis of AML is very important. The sooner you detect and remove a tumor in a dog, the better the prognosis for cure.

Since AMF in dogs is hormone-dependent, the optimal treatment option is in several stages:
1. Removal of the tumor, if possible, removal of a nearby lymph node.
2. Ovariohysterectomy
3. Excision of all milk bags, if cytological analysis of the punctate showed the presence of tumor cells in them.

Highly desirable after removal examine the excised tumor histologically, assess the tumor margin and the likelihood of recurrence. Histology is an expensive study, but very necessary for the ability to predict the further development of the disease.

Mammary tumors in cats

The development of mammary tumors in cats and dogs is different and is caused by different factors..

AMFs are less common in cats than in dogs. 90% of mammary gland tumors in cats are invasive (growing into nearby tissues) carcinoma. 90% of AMF in cats are malignant.

Rice. 3 Cribose carcinoma in a cat

According to the latest scientific data, mammary tumors in cats do not have hormonal dependence. There is no confirmed evidence that ovariohysterectomy in cats reduces the risk of AMF. This statement is very controversial for me personally, because in the course of my work as a veterinarian, I more often encounter AMF in uncastrated cats. I have come across much less evidence of AMF in neutered cats.

Treatment of a mammary tumor in a cat

Just like dogs surgical treatment. Postoperative chemotherapy reduces the risk of developing breast cancer and carcinoma invasion into nearby tissues.

The main component of successful treatment is early diagnosis.

Removing a tumor less than 2 cm in size will extend your cat's life by 3 years

Removing a 2-3 cm tumor will prolong your cat's life by 2 years

Removing a tumor larger than 3 cm will prolong your cat's life by no more than 6-12 months.

During the operation, it is necessary to remove all enlarged regional lymph nodes and, of course, make a large incision distance from the edge of the tumor.

After surgery, the use of chemotherapy and radiation exposure is indicated. A positive effect is obtained from postoperative use of the drug Tamoxifen.

conclusions

1. AMF in dogs is hormone dependent, early castration reduces the risk of the disease to zero. In cats - not proven.
2. Tumors of the mammary glands in dogs have a benign course, in cats they have a malignant course (invasive carcinoma)
3. Early diagnosis of a mammary tumor gives your animal a better chance.
4. Treatment of AMF in dogs and cats is surgical only. Removal of regional lymph nodes and the uterus reduces the risk of disease recurrence.
5. Laboratory diagnostics (cyto- and histological examination) allows us to make a prognosis for cure and survival.
6. Chemotherapy and drugs for treating mammary cancer (Tamoxifen) are effective in cats but useless and even dangerous (Tamoxifen) in dogs.