There are many differences between breast cancer in a dog or
cat and breast cancer in a human, but unfortunately, there are
tragic similarities as well โ suffering, difficult
choices, and the possibility of death. However, with early
detection and appropriate treatment, cat and dog breast cancer
can be successfully treated. Understanding risk factors and
when to consult your vet can help you protect your beloved pet.
Causes and Prevention
Both cats and dogs can develop mammary tumors. In dogs, about 50% of
these tumors are benign or
noncancerous, but mammary cancer is still the most common
malignant tumor for dogs and rates of breast cancer overall are
extremely high among canines.
For cats, breast cancer is the third most common cancer. Although feline malignant mammary
tumors occur at half the rate they do in dogs, breast cancer is
much more likely to be fatal for cats.
Both dogs and cats can be genetically predisposed to breast
cancer. Among felines,
Siamese cats develop the disease twice as often as other
breeds. Breeds of dogs that are more likely to develop these
tumors include
Poodles, Terriers,
Dachshunds, English Spaniels,
English Setters,
Cocker Spaniels, and
German Shepherds.
The good news is that breast cancer is one of the easiest pet
diseases to prevent. Spaying
could make all the difference. The development of malignant
tumors in the mammary glands seems to be directly related to
hormones, so having the source of those hormones removed may
protect your pet. Veterinarians recommend spaying female dogs
and cats early โ before 6 months when the first heat cycle
is expected. Having female dogs
fixed within this time frame can reduce the risk of
malignant breast cancer to only 0.5%. With cats, the risk of
breast cancer goes down by 91% if a kitten is spayed before
their first heat cycle.
Spotting Breast Cancer in Pets
Mammary cancer has no obvious symptoms in its early stages
(which is when you need to find it to successfully treat the
tumors). The only way youโll be able to detect tumors is by
performing regular mammary exams on your pet at home.
Itโs important to check your pet regularly so you get a good
idea of what breast tissue of a healthy dog or cat feels like,
allowing you to identify anything that appears abnormal. Start
with a nice tummy rub to relax your pet. Then carefully rub
your hand over the fatty tissue around each nipple and squeeze
the tissue a little. If you feel a hard lump the size of a pea
or larger, it might be the sign of a tumor. Lactating cats and
dogs with mastitis may have similar lumps, but these would go
away with antibiotics โ if the lumps linger after the
mastitis clears up, your veterinarian may recommend testing for
cancer.
In cases where the cancer has metastasized, pets can suffer a
range of symptoms such as painful movements and bowel
disorders.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If mammary cancer is suspected, your vet will need to do a full
exam with a complete blood work up and urinalysis. Benign
tumors are usually small and have a round shape. Malignant
tumors grow larger rapidly and donโt have clear borders. Itโs
very hard to tell which type of tumor is present until a biopsy
or removal of the tumor is done. Lymph nodes may also need to
be examined and a chest x-ray done to check whether the cancer
has metastasized.
50% of pets that have cancerous tumors removed in the early
stages remain disease free for the following year. Cancer drugs for dogs or cats (aka
chemotherapy) may also be prescribed for certain types of
tumors. If your pet wasnโt previously spayed, your vet may
recommend having the procedure done after a mastectomy to help
the vet better identify any future tumors that might develop
and to reduce the risk of uterine or ovarian cancers.
Pets with cancer may lose their appetite or have other feeding
issues. Taking care to ensure they follow a healthy diet can help your pet recover
and stay well.
Is Exercise Safe For Pets Suffering From Cancer?
It is tough to see our loved ones get infected with the
terrible disease called cancer. And that loved one could be
from any species. Cancer is a disease that slowly eats up the
body from the inside. And while medications and various
treatment options exist, it is very important to consider the
well-being of the loved one. What else is life if one has not
lived!Pet owners often ask whether their pets can exercise when
they have cancer. Pets often love to run around and play but an
onset of disease can seriously hamper this lifestyle. But their
lack of enthusiasm towards fun and enjoyment is a clear
indication that something is wrong.A simple answer to this
would be the type and stage of cancer they are suffering from.
If it is bone or muscle related, then perhaps too much strain
may not be a good idea. If it is a small benign tumor with no
signs of metastasis, then little bit of exercise may not be a
bad idea. In fact, it can bring about a positivity to the
environment.Again, cancers that affect the heart, blood flow,
blood supply, oxygen supply, breathing and lungs may be
sensitive to heavy work. In such cases, exercises must be kept
to the bare minimum. Too much running around can have adverse
effects.Pet owners must keep an important fact in mind โ
exercise does not cure cancer. Or at least thatโs what current
veterinary research literature suggests. There is absolutely no
evidence whatsoever that doing exercise cures any form of
cancer. Exercise may build up immunity and may boost the
overall well-being of the pet and if that directly affects any
type of cancer, then it becomes a different issue.In most
cases, vets will suggest pet owners to reduce the physical
activity of their pets when they are diagnosed with any type of
disease. There may be multiple reasons for that. First, it may
have serious consequences on the health. Second, the disease
may spread. And third, pets may contract other diseases due to
the one diagnosed. Cancer is a disease which is still under
research and it has been established that cancers are not
contagious and do not spread through the air or through
contact. However, in cases like a transplant where the immunity
is weakened due to certain drugs, cancers may occur.
Conclusion
How cancers occur is still under study and there is no singular
reason for it. Pets affected with cancer can exercise provided
it does not directly affect the cancer. In nay case, owners
must consult trained vets before allowing their pets to
exercise or perform physically tiring tasks.
More on Cancer
Cancer in Dogs and
Cats
Liver Cancer in Dogs and
Cats
Bone Cancer in Cats and
Dogs
Reference and Resources
โMammary
Tumors,โ American College of Veterinary Surgeons
This information is for informational
purposes only and is not meant as a substitute for the
professional advice of, or diagnosis or treatment by, your
veterinarian with respect to your pet. It has, however, been
verified by a licensed veterinarian for accuracy.