Diagnosis of Canine Mammary Tumors

Mammary tumors are the most commonly found tumor in female dogs.  The majority of canine mammary tumors are seen in dogs that have not been spayed and are of breeding age.    Some breeds appear to be at a higher risk for contracting the disease.  Those breeds include German Shepherds, Poodles, and Spaniels.  Canine mammary tumors are seldom seen in dogs that have been spayed prior to puberty.

Treatment options available for dogs diagnosed with mammary tumors include surgical removal, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.  Determination of a treatment plan can be chosen after an assessment of the type of tumor and the extent to which it has spread.  Surgical removal of canine mammary tumors is the most frequently recommended choice by veterinarians.  After removal of the tumor, a piece of the tissue can be submitted to a pathologist for an analysis and determination as to whether or not it is cancerous.

Blood tests and radiographs may be necessary to determine if the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.