Signs of Breast Cancer in Dogs
The Land of PureGold Foundation, a dog-related site, estimates that 6 million dogs are diagnosed with cancer each year. Breast cancer is one of the most common types, yet it has easily recognized signs and can often be treated successfully if it is diagnosed and removed as soon as possible. Knowing the signs will allow a dog owner to detect it early.
Definition
Cancer occurs when cells in a dog's body become mutated and grow abnormally. Often, these cells become solid and localize themselves in a particular area, such as the breast area. If left untreated, cells from the tumor may move into the dog's circulatory system and spread to other tissues.
Prevalence
According to Drs. Foster and Smith, breast tumors are most common in unspayed female dogs between 5 and 10 years old, although they can happen in dogs as young as 2. In females that are unspayed or spayed after their second heat, 26 percent develop malignant tumors. Male dogs can develop breast cancer, but it is very rare.
Signs
According to Drs. Foster and Smith, the main sign of breast cancer in a dog is one solid mass or a number of swellings in the mammary area. They can easily be noticed when feeling the area. At first, they may feel like a tiny stone under the skin, and they grow quickly. They may double in size every 4 weeks.
Treatment
Cancerous breast tumors in dogs are usually treated by surgical removal. Drs. Foster and Smith say breast cancer in dogs can be completely removed over 50 percent of the time. Chemotherapy and radiation have not been proven effective in treating breast cancer in dogs.
Prevention
Breast cancer in dogs can often be prevented by spaying, especially if the dog is spayed before going into her first heat. Drs. Foster and Smith report that only .05 percent of female dogs who were spayed before they went into heat will develop breast cancer.
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