Diagnostic and therapeutic protocol for mammary tumours in canines and felines

Abstract

Mammary tumors are a common pathology among female cats and dogs, and less common in males of these species. Intact and older females are more susceptible to this condition. A mammary tumor is typically suspected when a lump is discovered during a physical examination of the abdominal area, along the mammary chains. Although surgical treatment is the therapy of choice in most cases, sometimes chemotherapy may be also required. Establishing a correct diagnosis is the foundation for individual optimisation of treatment, as well as the possibility to predict the course of the pathology and prognosis. Diagnosis is based on obtaining an accurate history, clinical, paraclinical and imaging examination of the patient. All this will allow a tumor staging, which will guide therapy and prognosis. This article presents a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm developed after centralizing the latest data published in the literature, providing a guide in the management of mammary tumors in canids and felines.