Palpation, this essential procedure for detecting breast cancer, would also be very useful if you are the lucky owner of a female dog or a cat. The information is indeed too little known, but breast cancer remains to this day the most common in our pets.
Cancer, more common than you think when you have a dog or a cat
Thus, on the occasion of Pink October, 3115 Veterinary Urgences reminds us that in unsterilized female dogs and cats, mammary cancer is both frequent and aggressive. “In animals, mammary cancer is clearly the most commonly diagnosed cancer.” confirms Dr Pierre Fabing, emergency veterinarian.
- In cats, for example, 95% of mammary tumors are cancerous. And the median survival of a cat who develops mammary cancer is only 6 months.
- In dogs, mammary tumors represent approximately half of all tumors diagnosed in females. Among them, approximately 50% are malignant.
And it can happen sooner than you think. “Cancer happens in rather aging animals, but the age of the animal will vary from one breed to another. So in a large dog for example whose life expectancy is 9 years, it can happen from 5 years old” warns the expert.
8 udders to palpate, at home or at the veterinarian
No organized screening of our animals. On the other hand, a regular visit to the veterinarian can uncover a pesky tumor as soon as possible. “It is often during the annual visit to the veterinarian that we discover it” continues the veterinarian.
“Just like at the gynecologist, we will simply palpate and check the animal’s 8 udders and check for the presence or absence of nodules.”
Of course, the discovery of a new mass while caressing your favorite animal should also invite you to consult quickly.
What treatment for an affected animal?
When a lump is discovered, the prognosis depends on several things. “We will first remove it surgically and do extension assessments to firstly check that there is no metastasis.” explains the veterinarian.
- If the tumor is localized and the lymph nodes are not affected, the act is often enough to return to the life of a fulfilled dog or cat;
- If the veterinarian discovers metastases, the prognosis is more guarded. “Because chemotherapy in animals exists, and works. But on the one hand it remains very expensive, and heavy for the animal. emphasizes Dr. Fabing.
There remains the possibility of accompanying your dog or cat and treating the symptoms of cancer for a shorter but more comfortable life.
Sterilizing your animal is the best way to protect it
But how to prevent breast cancer? The veterinarian assures him, sterilization is the best way to protect your dog or cat.
“Early sterilization is the most effective means of prevention: it reduces the risk of mammary cancer in cats to almost zero when it is carried out before the first heat. In female dogs, intervention before the age of 2 also greatly reduces the risk.”
A much better solution, if you care about your animal than the contraceptive pill, long given to cats, which promotes the development of cancer.