Dogs Can Get Breast Cancer Too
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and so we thought you should know that dogs can get breast cancer too, more commonly referred to as mammary tumors.
Although approximately half of all canine mammary tumors are benign, malignant tumors of different types (adenocarcinomas, carcinomas, sarcomas and mixed type) comprise the other 50% of cases. These most commonly occur in intact (unspayed) females between 5-10 years old but occasionally in younger females and in males.
Most dogs have 5 sets of nipples, and mammary glands, but mammary tumors most commonly arise in the 4th and 5th sets.
Symptoms:
Multiple areas of swelling near the nipples or a solid mass, which feels like gravel just under the skin, hard and difficult to move.
Benign mammary tumors are slower growing vs. the solid malignant tumors that grow rapidly. Malignant tumors may bleed and ulcerate through the skin.
Biopsy is required to identify the type of tumor, whether it is benign or malignant. Since aggressive tumors can metastasize and spread to nearby lymph nodes or to the lungs, chest x-ray and lymph node evaluation are recommended.
Treatment:
Surgical removal is the treatment of choice unless the dog is old or otherwise a high surgical risk. The extent of surgical treatment varies with many factors including type and stage of the cancer, level of infiltration or presence of metastasis. Spaying may also be recommended to decrease chances of recurrence, although this is controversial.
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy have not been very successful in managing canine mammary tumors but as veterinary medicine progresses this may change in the future.
A veterinary oncologist should be consulted for complete diagnostic and treatment evaluation when possible.
Spaying appears to reduce the risk of mammary cancer significantly, particularly if done before the dog’s first heat.
Nutrition:
As with any illness, it is essential to provide your dog with optimal and appropriate nutrition. We prefer a fresh, whole foods diet with high quality proteins. In general dogs with cancer should avoid simple carbohydrates while omega 3 fatty acids can be beneficial. Do your research and discuss your dog’s individual needs with your veterinarian or veterinary oncologist.
Additional resources on nutrition and supplements in canine cancers can be found on DogAware.
Please help spread the word by RSVP’g “attending” to our virtual month-long event on Facebook: Pet Cancer Awareness Month