Yes, dogs get breast cancer too!
The incidence of mammary tumors is higher in dogs than in any other domesticated animal and is three times higher than the incidence in humans! Mammary tumors are the most common cancer found in non-spayed female dogs. Integrative veterinarian, Carol Osborne, DVM, offers tips and insight for female dog owners on prevention and treatment options.
- Prevention: Prevention of canine mammary cancer is possible. Non-spayed female dogs have a seven-fold increased risk of developing mammary cancer compared to neutered females. Data also demonstrates the preventative benefits of spaying before the second heat cycle. Obesity also plays a role. Studies show that obesity at one year of age tripled the incidence of mammary cancer in intact female dogs.
- Diagnosis: Approximately half of breast cancer cases are malignant, and half have metastasized or spread when initially diagnosed. 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 ultimately perform a biopsy to confirm a definitive diagnosis.
- Prognosis: Prognostic factors include tumor size, whether or not the cancer has spread in your dogs body as well as the tumor type and grade. Dogs can live several years after the complete removal of some mammary tumors. So once a mass is found, having surgery sooner rather than later offers your pooch the best chances for survival.
- Treatment: Treatment of a malignant breast 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 from humans in that they are outside of the muscle, so the surgery is not as radical. Unfortunately, unlike humans, chemotherapy and radiation in dogs are not successful. Healthy diets and supplements to boost the immune system have also proven to be very helpful.
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM
Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM, is a practicing integrative veterinarian and a nationally recognized leader, speaker, educator, and advocate in the field of functional medicine. She is the founder and director of the Chagrin Falls Veterinary Center and Pet Clinic and an Emmy-nominated television journalist. Her first two books, Naturally Healthy Dogs and Naturally Healthy Cats hit the international best-seller lists. She is a regular contributor to several television shows and networks including FOX & Friends, The Today Show, Discovery’s Animal Planet, and Good Day LA.Dr. Carol is board-certified in Anti-Aging Medicine and developed and patented PAAWS: Pet Anti-Aging Wellness System for dogs and cats. Today she has turned her passion for functional pet medicine, real food, nutrition, and wellness into activism. Dr. Osborne is leading a pet health revolution that challenges us to reimagine our pet’s biology and the process of aging to create and sustain your pet’s health for life. Learn more at http://www.chagrinfallspetclinic.com
