Cancer of the mammary glands, or breast cancer, can occur in male dogs but is far more common in females. German shepherds, terriers, spaniels, toy poodles and miniature poodles are the breeds most often struck with breast cancer, but the disease can be present in any breed. Fortunately, the odds of getting the disease can be decreased and treatments are available for dogs who are diagnosed with this type of cancer. Cancer that is left untreated can spread, however, and you should take your dog to the vet as soon as you suspect she may have breast cancer.
Instructions
1. Know your dog's medical history. Doctors Foster and Smith state that a female dog's chances of developing breast cancer are just .05 percent of she is spayed before her first heat cycle. The odds increase to 8 percent if a dog is spayed after her first heat cycle and 26 percent if she is spayed after her second.
2. Take notice of behavioral changes. Dogs with cancer tend to lose weight and have a marked decrease in energy.
3. Pay attention to injuries and bleeding, Dogs with cancer can develop sores that heal very slowly or not at all. Any unusual bleeding or discharge from the dog's nipples may be a sign of mammary gland caner.
4. Gently press on the dog's abdomen. Tumors can often be felt before they are seen. Press gently on her belly and around her nipples to check for any hard lumps.
5. Schedule an appointment with a vet. The only way to know for sure if a dog has cancer is to preform a biopsy, an endoscopy or exploratory surgery.
Tags: breast cancer, percent spayed, Dogs with, Dogs with cancer, first heat, first heat cycle
