Breast cancer in female dogs: Mammary gland tumours guide

In female dogs, the nipples and mammary glands play an essential role in nurturing puppies by producing milk and colostrum. However, these mammary glands can be affected by tumours, either benign or malignant, which is a major health concern, especially for unspayed female dogs. Responsible owners, breeders, and those with unspayed dogs should understand the nature, risks, signs, and management of these tumours.

This comprehensive guide will explore mammary gland tumours in female dogs, including who is at risk, signs to watch for, diagnostic and treatment options, prognosis, and preventive measures. Understanding this condition can significantly improve outcomes for affected dogs.

What are mammary gland tumours?

Mammary glands are located in pairs along the breasts of female dogs and function to produce milk when signalled by hormones from the pituitary gland in preparation for nursing a litter. While male dogs also have nipples, their mammary glands are usually inactive except in rare hormonal cases.

Mammary gland tumours occur predominantly in female dogs, especially those that are unspayed. These tumours may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and are among the most common tumour types in female canines. The exact cause is multifactorial, involving both genetic predisposition and hormonal influences, especially oestrogens and progesterone levels.

Which dogs are at risk for mammary gland tumours?

Mammary tumours mainly affect female dogs. The risk is especially high for bitches that have not been spayed or were spayed later in life. Spayed females have a significantly reduced risk. Certain breeds seem predisposed, including the English setter puppies, cocker spaniel puppies, and Maltese puppies. Responsible breeding practices suggest avoiding using animals from lines with a history of mammary tumours to reduce hereditary risk.

How to identify mammary gland tumours in female dogs?

Early identification can save lives. Mammary tumours may present as nodules or lumps near the nipples or mammary glands. However, tumours do not always appear near the nipples and can be located deeper in the glandular tissue, making them hard to detect. Changes to look for include:

• Firm or soft lumps which may be moveable (often benign) or fixed (suggesting malignancy)
• Inflammation, redness or ulceration of the skin near the mammary glands
• Discharge or crusting around one or more nipples
• Swollen or sore nipples
• Multiple tumours on one or both mammary chains

Due to the subtle nature of these signs, regular veterinary health checks are crucial for early detection.

Types of mammary gland tumours

Mammary tumours are either benign or malignant. About 50% of these tumours are benign and tend to be softer and movable masses under the skin. Malignant tumours are often firm, non-movable, and may invade surrounding tissues. Common malignant types include fibrosarcomas, osteosarcomas, and cystic adenocarcinomas.

Diagnosis and veterinary assessment

Your vet will perform a thorough physical exam and may recommend diagnostic tests including:

• Blood and urine tests to check general health
• Imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound of the chest and abdomen to check for spread
• Fine needle aspirate cytology – though this cannot always distinguish benign from malignant tumours
• Biopsy and histopathology after surgical removal – the definitive way to classify and grade the tumour

Accurate diagnosis guides appropriate treatment planning.

Treatment options for mammary gland tumours

The primary treatment for mammary tumours is surgical removal. The extent of surgery depends on the number, size, location, and nature of tumours:

• Local excision for a single small tumour without spread
• Partial or complete mastectomy when multiple glands are affected
• Removal of associated lymph nodes if cancer spread is suspected

Spaying the dog at the time of surgery is strongly advised if the dog is intact, as it helps reduce the risk of new tumours developing by removing the hormonal stimulus.

In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended, especially for aggressive or metastatic tumours, but surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis largely depends on how early the tumour is detected and treated, as well as the tumour type and its spread. Early surgical removal of benign or localized malignant tumours offers a good outlook.

Dogs with malignant tumours are at risk of recurrence or developing new tumours and require ongoing veterinary monitoring. Spaying helps lower recurrence risks. Owners should observe their pets for any new lumps or changes and report them promptly to their vet.

Prevention of mammary gland tumours

The most effective preventive measure is spaying female dogs before their first heat cycle, which can reduce the risk of tumours by over 90%. Spaying after the first heat still reduces risk but to a lesser degree.

Responsible breeding is also essential. Avoid breeding from bitches with a family history of mammary tumours to reduce hereditary predisposition.

Regular veterinary check-ups and owner vigilance for early signs of tumours can allow earlier intervention and improve outcomes.

Summary

Mammary gland tumours are common in female dogs, particularly those that are unspayed or spayed later in life. Early recognition and prompt veterinary treatment are crucial for the best chance of cure. Surgery, often combined with spaying, is the primary and most effective treatment. Responsible pet ownership includes considering spaying at an appropriate age and avoiding breeding from affected bloodlines.

If you notice any changes, lumps, or abnormalities in your female dog's mammary area, consult your vet without delay. Early action could save your beloved companion’s life and improve their quality of life significantly.