Spotlight on Canine Mammary Tumors
Several types of cancers can be seen among dogs. Out of all kinds of cancers, the occurrence rate of canine mammary tumour is higher than any other types. Here’s all that you should know so that you can keep your furry friends safe and healthy.
–by Dr Arkaprabha Gupta & Dr Debotri Mondal
Adult female dogs and non-spayed dogs suffer and are more susceptible to mammary tumors. Other factors like pseudopregnancy also promotes such condition. As per scientific studies the mammary tumor remains benign in almost 45% cases whereas in large breeds it shows malignancy in 52% cases.
Breeds at Risk: Tumor Vulnerabilities
The breeds that are most susceptible for mammary tumor development are – Cocker spaniel,German shepherd, Dachshund,Toy and Miniature Poodle. Mammary tumors show more benign characteristics in small breed female dogs as compared to large breed female dogs.
Hidden dangers: Risk factors unveiled
Middle and old aged dogs who are above the age of 5 years and non-neutered female dogs are at an increased risk of developing mammary tumors. There can be several reasons for this like –the hormones responsible for canine estrous cycle are a key factor. Progesterone hormone whose level is increased before the ovulation stimulates few growth factors which specifically helps for multiplication of mammary cells multiplication and development of mammary tumours. As a result, every time a female dog comes into cycle shows increased susceptibility for mammary tumors – 9% after the first cycle, 18% after the second cycle, and nearly 29-31% after the third cycle. According to another research estrogen hormone which is responsible for development of mammary gland also play a crucial role in development of canine mammary tumor.
What is pseudo pregnancy and how it promotes mammary tumor?
Pseudo pregnancy is a condition where a non-pregnant adult female dog shows the symptoms like pregnancy. The most prominent sign is oozing of milk from the mammary gland. It is seen that a lot of pet parents aren’t aware about this condition. Because of the lack of knowledge pet parents frequently rub their pet’s belly. And needless to say, that your pet loved belly rubs. But doing so can be dangerous. Due to frequent rubbing of this portion a stimulation circulates within the body which in turn stimulates the release of prolactin hormone in the body. Increases prolactin levels in the body are mainly responsible for pseudo pregnancy and oozing of milk. Prolactin also playes a pivotal role in development of mammary gland tumour.
Targeted treatment options for overall well being
If pet parents don’t want their female pet to breed, then spaying is of utmost importance. Ovariohysterectomy means removing both the ovaries and uterus. It is seen that dogs show only 0.5% risk of mammary tumour development if they are spayed.
Different treatment protocols can be applied for management of mammary tumor and pseudo pregnancy condition. Detection of type of cancer can be done by FNAC and post surgical biopsy on the basis of which chemotherapeutic drugs should be chosen.
Female dogs generally suffer from vitamin B6 deficiency and this deficiency becomes severe during pseudo pregnancy.
Administering vitamin B6 externally helps with interruption of unwanted lactation with pseudo pregnancy. Studies reveal that vitamin B6 decreases prolactin level in the body by acting on dopamine receptor. Apart from this, some homeopathic medicines can also be used to treat and manage this disease.
Last but not least, proper awareness among the pet parents is the most efficient path to make sure that their furry friends have a happy and healthy life!
(Dr. Arkaprabha Gupta – B.V. Sc &A.H.,M.V.Sc (Veterinary Pathology); Dr. Debotri Mondal – B.V.Sc&A.H., M.V.Sc (Veterinary Pathology) – Vetassure Pet Clinic, Saltlake & Newtown, Kolkata)