Canine mammary tumors are the most common cancer in intact [not spayed] female dogs and account for approximately half of all canine cancers. Mammary neoplasms are not common in male dogs, accounting for less than 1 percent of these types of tumors. The incidence of mammary tumors is higher in dogs than in any other domesticated animal and is three times the incidence in humans.
Approximately half of dog mammary tumors are malignant, and half have metastasized by the time they are initially diagnosed.
Sex hormones certainly play a role in development of mammary tumors in the non-spayed female dog. Intact females have a seven-fold increased risk of developing mammary cancer compared to neutered females. The age at which the dog is spayed is directly proportional to the risk of developing mammary cancer. Data clearly indicate the preventive role of spaying the dog prior to the second heat cycle.
Two studies showed that after a malignant canine mammary tumor develops; spaying your dog has no effect on tumor progression. In contrast, a recent study showed increases in survival time for dogs that were spayed within two years before mammary-tumor surgery.
**Canine obesity may be a factor in dogs developing mammary cancer. In one case-controlled study, the risk of mammary carcinoma among spayed dogs was 40% less than in dogs that had maintained a lean body weight at 9 to 12 months of age. Another study showed obesity at 1 year of age almost tripled the incidence of mammary cancer in intact dogs. In that study, dogs with a higher intake of red meat in their diet were at higher risk for developing mammary cancer.
Staging and Diagnosis of Canine Breast Cancer
The two most common sites of spread [metastases] are lungs and regional lymph nodes. Therefore, staging should include a minimum database of chest x-rays, complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile, urinalysis and an evaluation of regional lymph nodes (axillary and inguinal) by palpation, fine-needle aspiration cytology and (if indicated) biopsy.
Prognosis for Canine Breast Cancer
The prognosis for dogs with mammary cancer is not influenced either by tumor location or number of tumors. Other factors that are not prognostic are number of pregnancies, age at first pregnancy and occurrence of pseudo [false] pregnancies. The following are prognostic factors that have been shown in studies to predict survival or the disease-free interval. Signs of Breast Cancer in Dogs
Similar to human breast cancer, mammary tumors in dogs can range in size. Breast tumors in dogs often grow quickly with an irregular shape. These malignant tumors can also cause bleeding and ulceration. However, if your dog’s tumor does not exhibit these signs that does not mean your dog is free from breast cancer; small tumors that have been present for a while can suddenly grow aggressively as well. As with most other types of cancer, once malignant tumors in dogs start to grow, the cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body.
If you find a lump on your dog, do not wait to go to the veterinarian. It is always best to play it safe and have your dog examined by a licensed veterinarian who will perform a biopsy. Half of all mammary tumors in dogs are benign, but do you really want to play guessing games when it comes to your dog’s health?
Treatment of Canine Breast Cancer
Treatment of malignant mammary tumors in dogs usually involves surgery. Similar to breast cancer in humans, dogs will either have just the tumor removed or the entire mammary chain along with lymph nodes. Dogs’ mammary glands are different than humans in that they are outside of the muscle, so the surgery is less radical. Research indicates that unlike humans, chemotherapy and radiation in dogs are not successful.
Canine Breast Cancer Prevention
The best way to prevent breast cancer in female dogs is to spay them before they go into heat for the first time. By doing this, dog owners can virtually eliminate the chances of this tumor.
Hello, I’m confused, third paragraph, last sentence states “spaying prior to second heat” then in conclusion article resolution is to spay before first heat.Please advise contemplating an eight week bitch, have suffered loss of previous love, service animal, post B.Cancer, Several years ago. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Kathleen Conway
Hi Kathleen,
I apologize for this confusion. According to the latest published research on altering dogs, spaying a female dog is ok if done after age 1, better if after done after age 2 and ideal at age 7. Waiting until age 7, offers a 30% increase in health, wellness and longevity, a 200% decrease in the leading 5 types of canine cancer and a great reduction in hip, bone and joint disorders like arthritis. So to put it simply, wait as long as possible. At a minimum be sure your dog is over 1 year of age. In any case being sure your female dog is spayed by age 7 is wise, as it helps prevent a disease called Pyometra where the uterus fills up with pus and then the spay becomes an emergency life saving procedure. With the exception of breast cancer, which is the 1 disease eliminated by early age spays, dogs need their hormones for many reasons just like people.
People spay and neuter dogs primarily because of irresponsible pet owners who allow their pets to run loose. This has resulted in MILLIONS of unwanted pets being born and living in shelters from coast to coast.
Hopefully this information is helpful.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Carol