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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Did you know pets can get breast cancer, too? Mammary tumors can occur in both dogs and cats and can range in size. Whether your pet is at higher risk or you have already discovered a mammary lump on your pet, we want to guide pet parents through what comes next. From treatment and management options to prognosis expectations, here\u2019s what pet parents need to know.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here in Part I, we\u2019re discussing mammary tumors in dogs. For more information on mammary tumors in cats, head over to Part II<\/a>!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Mammary gland tumors (MGTs) are the most common tumor in female dogs who have not been spayed.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Various risk factors including age, breed, and hormonal exposure, all play a role in the development of MGTs.<\/span> <\/span>Dogs more commonly affected <\/span>or at higher risk of developing MGTs <\/span>include:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Note:<\/span> <\/em>D<\/span>ogs that are spayed earlier in lif<\/span>e<\/span> have a significantly decreased risk of developing MGTs.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If the MGT is confirmed to be cancerous, your family veterinarian or board-certified oncologist will guide you through treatment options, including:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Many factors <\/span>will affect your dog\u2019s prognosis which makes it difficult to estimate how each individual pet will respond to the chosen treatment option. When providing a prognosis, your family veterinarian or board-certified veterinary oncologist will <\/span>consider:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With that being said, <\/span><\/span>the average survival time for dogs with mammary cancer can be as short as six months<\/strong><\/span><\/span> (typically for dogs with larger tumors that are 3-5cm or a high<\/span>–<\/span>grade tumor) <\/span><\/span>or as long as 2+ years<\/strong><\/span><\/span> (typically for dogs with smaller, non-metastatic tumors).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Read Part II to learn about mammary tumors in cats here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Finding a lump anywhere on your pet is an alarming discovery, which is why it\u2019s important to consult with your family veterinarian. If you suspect your dog or cat has a mammary lump, or if you have any other concerns about your pet\u2019s health, consult with your family veterinarian. Once a diagnosis is determined, <\/span>they <\/span>may <\/span>decide <\/span>to refer your pet to a board-certified veterinary oncologist for guidance on your pet\u2019s specific type of cancer, as well as treatment and management options.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota\u2019s Oncology Service <\/span><\/span>here<\/span><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More Reading:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n![\"chihuahua,](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/2-2.png\")
<\/p>\nMammary Tumors in Dogs<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Quick Facts about MGTs:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nPets at Higher Risk<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nNext Steps<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Prognosis<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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