The Pink October campaign, which aims to raise awareness of breast cancer diagnosis and prevention, also covers dog and cat care.

Rosa’s October campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer diagnosis and prevention also covers dog and cat care — Photo: Freepik/Reproduction/ND

According to epidemiological studies conducted and disseminated mainly by the pathological and veterinary oncological services of universities and national teaching and research institutions, mammary neoplasms constitute the second largest type of tumor diagnosed in small animals and the first largest type when it is exclusively about dogs. females and the third largest phylum when it comes to female felines.

About 50% of mammary tumors in bitches are malignant, while in female cats this number can reach an incredible proportion of 96%.

However, most diagnoses are made late, making treatment difficult, explains a study published by the CFMV (Federal Council of Veterinary Medicine).

Régis Bergamaschi, professor of veterinary medicine at the Faculdade Anhanguera, said genetic, nutritional and hormonal problems, including the use of contraceptive injections, are the cause of the disease.

“It is desirable to castrate the animal early, before the first estrus in small females and between the first and second estrus in large females, in order to prevent diseases and unwanted offspring. With regard to the use of injectable contraceptives, popularly known as the ether vaccine, there is no safe dose – a single use predisposes to the formation of tumors, ”he notes.

Prevention

Spaying is the only safe way to prevent breast cancer in small animals. The protective effect provided by pregnancy at a younger age seen in females was not seen in female canines and felines, demystifying the fact that these animals need to be brooded at least once before castration.

“The surgical sterilization procedure can be performed by removal of the uterus and ovaries, ovariohysterectomy, or by using the oophorectomy technique, which consists of only removing the ovaries and is becoming more frequent due to less chance of complications. and less time for it,” explains the veterinarian.

Surgical removal of the ovaries will interrupt the production of estrogen and progesterone, ovarian hormones that predispose to the formation of tumors.

Castration does not have the same preventive potential for breast cancer in older animals because various estrous cycles (a series of physiological changes that begin after puberty in females) have already been performed, but this measure is valid for other complications such as uterine infections. disease.

Clinical signs

Clinical signs may vary depending on the case, but the most common are: breast enlargement, the presence of nodules, swelling, secretion in the chest, vomiting, lack of appetite and others.

Although more rare, the disease can also occur in male dogs and cats, and screening should be done in all pets, regardless of gender, to check for and treat the problem early.

Periodic palpations, which can be performed by the caregivers themselves, help in the study of anomalies that may indicate strange volumes in the animal’s body. After the diagnosis is made, treatment is carried out surgically with the participation of a specialist in veterinary medicine.

“A visit to the vet is important and should be part of your grooming routine. Ideally, they should take place at least once every six months, when the animal has no health problems. If he is present, the veterinarian will plan with the tutor the necessary schedule of visits,” he concludes.