Breast Cancer Affects Dogs, Too

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. During the month of October, many people participate in activities, events and fundraisers to help combat the deadly disease.  Moreover, many pet owners do not realize that dogs are susceptible to breast cancer too.

A recent conversation with veterinary oncologist, Ann Holenhaus, DVM, DACVIM of New York City’s Animal Medical Center revealed that 50 percent of mammary tumors found in dogs are benign, and the other 50 percent are malignant.

“Un-spayed female dogs are more susceptible to mammary tumors than females spayed before their first heat,” says Holenhaus.   

Additionally she noted that spaying females before the age of 2½ decreases the risk of both benign and malignant tumors, but spaying after this age reduces the risk of benign tumors but not necessarily malignant tumors. 

Since I just adopted a two-year-old female Golden Retriever from a show kennel who was recently spayed, I had cause for concern.

After conducting some research at CanineCancer.com, I found that both benign and malignant tumors in dogs have receptors for either estrogen or progesterone. As a result, it is believed that the presence of female hormones can promote the growth of tumors. By eliminating hormonal factors as soon as possible, the pet owner is lowering the chance of incidence with his or her dog.

This is the reason that, even if your dog has developed a mammary tumor, your veterinarian will insist you now spay your dog.  

Moreover, mammary tumors are most commonly found in un-spayed, female dogs between the ages of five and 10 years. Occasionally, these tumors will develop in male dogs, but if that is the case, the cancer is very aggressive and the prognosis poor. The breeds that are at risk include: Poodle, Brittany Spaniel, English Setter, Fox Terrier, Boston Terrier and Cocker Spaniels.

According to Holenhaus, although the best course of action is early spray, it is still necessary to conduct regular breast examinations, too. She says check around the nipple area and feel for a solid mass.

 “If you do detect a bump, call your vet immediately. Do not take a wait and see action,” she cautions.

She further explains that pet owners can expect their course of treatment to include a biopsy, removal and analysis of mass. 

Breast cancer can affect anyone including dogs. To prevent the disease, take precautionary measure of spaying your dog at an early age and conducting regular examinations of both female and male dogs. Like with your own health, if you detect a problem, visit your pet’s doctor immediately.