Mammary tumors are the most common type of tumor found in female dogs. While they can often be benign, it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of mammary tumors as much as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss this deadly disease and what steps you can take to prevent or treat it.
MAMMARY TUMORS IN DOGS
A mammary tumor is a growth or lump that develops in the breast tissue of a dog. Mammary tumors occur mostly in female dogs and can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They can, however, happen in male dogs as well.
MAMMARY CHAINS
A mammary chain is a line of mammary glands that extends from the chest to the groin on each side of a dog’s body. There are typically five to eight mammary glands in each chain.
ADENOCARCINOMA
The most common type of mammary tumor in dogs is an adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells that line the ducts of the mammary gland. Adenocarcinomas make up about 50% of all mammary tumors.
MAMMARY CARCINOMA IN DOGS
There are several different types of mammary carcinomas, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. The most common type of mammary carcinoma is an adenocarcinoma, which starts in the cells that line the ducts of the mammary gland. Adenocarcinomas make up about 50% of all tumors in mammary glands.
INFLAMMATORY MAMMARY CARCINOMA
An inflammatory mammary carcinoma is a type of adenocarcinoma that is characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the tumor. This type of tumor accounts for about 15% of all mammary tumors. Inflammatory Carcinoma of the mammary gland is a very aggressive form of cancer and has a poor prognosis.
LOBULAR CARCINOMA IN SITU (LCIS)
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a type of non-invasive breast cancer. It is considered a precancerous condition because it may develop into an invasive cancer over time. LCIS is not common in dogs, but it is important to be aware of it.
METASTATIC DISEASE
Metastatic disease is cancer that has spread from the original tumor site to other parts of the body. Metastatic mammary tumors are relatively rare in dogs, but they can occur.
MAMMARY GLAND HYPERPLASIA
Mammary Gland Hyperplasia is a condition in which the mammary gland cells grow excessively. It is the most common benign mammary tumor, accounting for about 25% of all tumors.
FIBROCYSTIC CHANGES
Fibrocystic changes are a type of benign breast disease that is characterized by the growth of abnormal tissue in the breasts.
BENIGN TUMOR
Benign tumors are not as serious and are not usually life-threatening. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, can be very aggressive and spread to other parts of the body.
Although benign tumors are not as dangerous, they can still cause problems. They can grow to be large and uncomfortable, and may even interfere with your dog’s ability to urinate or defecate properly.
MALIGNANT TUMOR TYPES
Malignant tumors occur in about 50% of all tumors and are the most serious type of tumor. These tumors can spread to other parts of the body, and are often fatal.
There are several different types of malignant mammary tumors, but the most common type is Adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinomas make up about 50% of all malignant mammary tumors. Other types of cancerous tumors include sarcomas, lymphomas, and mast cell tumors.
RISK FACTORS FOR MAMMARY CANCER
There are several factors that can increase your dog’s risk of developing a tumor in their mammary glands. Each risk factor will be different for your individual dog. These include:
- Age: Older dogs are more at risk for a mammary tumor. The average age of dogs diagnosed with tumors is six years old and older dogs are more likely to develop a mammary mass than those of a young age.
- Breed: Some commonly affected breeds are more prone to a mammary tumor than others. Breeds that are at an increased risk include: Poodles, Bichons Frises, Boston terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Lhasa Apsos, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzers, Shih Tzus, Springer Spaniels, and Yorkshire Terriers.
- Unspayed females: Dogs that have not been spayed are at a much higher risk for developing mammary masses. In fact, unspayed dogs are six times more likely to develop mammary sarcomas than spayed dogs and have a poorer prognosis with treatment.
- Certain health conditions: Dogs with certain health conditions are also at an increased risk for tumors in dogs. These conditions include Cushing’s disease, diabetes, and obesity.
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Now that we know some of the risk factors for mammary cancer, let’s discuss some steps that you can take to help reduce your dog’s risk.
REDUCING THE RISK OF MAMMARY CANCER IN DOGS
- GETTING FEMALE DOGS SPAYED (READ ABOUT SPAY/FALSE PREGNANCY HERE)
- REGULAR CHECKUPS AND SCREENINGS FOR EARLY DETECTION
- KEEPING YOUR DOG AT A HEALTHY WEIGHT
- AVOIDING AND PREVENTING ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CONDITIONS
- FEED A HEALTHY DIET (FIND OUR FAVORITE FOODS HERE)
- PROVIDE GOOD EXERCISE (READ MORE)
GETTING DOGS SPAYED CAN PREVENT MAMMARY CANCER
Spaying your female dog: This is the number one thing that you can do to reduce your dog’s risk of developing malignant tumors. Spaying your dog eliminates her heat cycles, which helps to reduce the chances of developing malignant tumors.
REGULAR SCREENINGS TO CHECK HEALTH STATUS
Regular check-ups and screenings: Taking your dog for regular check-ups and screenings can help to catch any potential problems early. Your veterinarian can check for lumps or bumps and may even recommend mammary gland screenings.
KEEPING YOUR FEMALE DOGS AT THE RIGHT WEIGHT
Weight control: Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is important for many reasons, including reducing the risk of mammary gland cancer. Obesity is a risk factor for a malignant mammary tumor, so keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help to reduce her risk.
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PREVENTING ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CONDITIONS
Avoiding certain health conditions: As we mentioned before, certain health conditions can increase the risk of breast cancer. Cushing’s disease, diabetes, and obesity are all risk factors for mammary tissue Cancer. Keeping your dog healthy and avoiding these conditions can help to reduce her risk.
FEED A HEALTHY DIET
Feeding a healthy diet: A healthy diet is important for all dogs, but it can be especially important for those at risk for mammary gland cancer. A healthy diet can help to keep your dog at a healthy weight and can also help to reduce the risk of other health conditions that can increase the risk of a malignant tumor.
GIVE A LOT OF GOOD EXERCISE
Exercise: Exercise is important for all dogs, but it can be especially important for those at risk for mammary tumors. Exercise helps to keep your dog at a healthy weight and can also help to reduce the risk of other health conditions that can increase the risk of cancer cells developing.
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By following these steps, you can help to reduce your dog’s risk of developing a tumor in their mammary gland.
SYMPTOMS OF CANINE MAMMARY TUMORS
Symptoms of a malignant tumor depends on the tumor size, type, and location.
Common symptoms of a mammary tumor may include:
- a lump or mass in the mammary area that is usually not painful
- discharge from the nipple
- enlargement of the breast tissue
- severe swelling of breast tissue
- ulceration or crusting of the skin over the tumor
- inverted nipples
Some physical symptoms may include:
- weight loss
- lethargy
- poor appetite
- vomiting
- diarrhea
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your dog to the veterinarian for an examination. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
DIAGNOSING BREAST CANCER IN DOGS
Diagnosing benign mammary tumors in dogs requires:
- identification of clinical signs by pet owner
- a physical examination
- breast radiographs (x-rays)
- mammary ultrasound
- fine needle aspiration or biopsy
- biochemical profile
- complete blood count (CBC)
- chest x rays
- abdominal ultrasound
A chest x-ray may be recommended to check for metastasis, or the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. When caught early, the chances of successful treatment are much higher.
Mammary tumors are relatively common in dogs, but that doesn’t mean
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CANINE MAMMARY TUMORS
The type of treatment recommended will depend on the stage of the tumor, as well as the size and location.
SURGERY / TUMOR REMOVAL
Surgery is the most common treatment for mammary tumors, and involves removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. The margins of the tumor will be checked to ensure that all of the cancerous tissue has been removed. If the entire tumor has not been removed, additional surgery may be needed.
CHEMOTHERAPY
Chemotherapy may be recommended in addition to surgery or as a standalone treatment. It is typically only used for malignant tumors, as benign tumors do not usually respond to chemotherapy.
RADIATION THERAPY
Radiation therapy may be recommended in addition to surgery or as a standalone treatment. It is typically only used for malignant tumors, as benign tumors do not usually respond to radiation therapy.
The type of treatment recommended will depend on the stage of the tumor, as well as the size and location.
HORMONAL THERAPY
Hormonal therapy may be recommended in addition to surgery or as a standalone treatment. It is typically only used for malignant tumors, as benign tumors do not usually respond to hormonal therapy.
These are just a few of the treatment options available for dogs with mammary tumors. Your veterinarian will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best for your dog.
PROGNOSIS OF MAMMARY GLAND TUMORS
The prognosis for dogs with mammary tumors is generally good, especially if the tumor is caught early.
With treatment, most dogs make a full recovery and live normal, healthy lives.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that mammary tumors can be aggressive and have a high rate of recurrence. It’s important to always monitor intact female dogs closely.
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