5 Things All Dog Owners SHOULD KNOW About Breast Cancer in Dogs

If your dog is suffering from breast cancer, my heart goes out to you. There is nothing easy about receiving and coping with such a challenging diagnosis, and you’re most likely anxious and have many questions.

What is breast cancer (otherwise known as mammary cancer) in dogs, and what are the symptoms? What happens if there is a dog mammary tumor rupture? What is the life expectancy, and are there any dog mammary tumor natural treatments available?

This article is here to answer all of these questions, and provide you with all the necessary information about breast cancer in dogs. 

Here at Zumalka, we are a group of animal lovers and animal advocates who have worked hard for over 20 years using our expertise, knowledge, and passion to help thousands of pet parents around the world navigate their pet’s health concerns.

• Click to learn more : 👉 Provide support to your Dog who's fighting CANCER with our Natural Product 🐶

I hope the information in this article is helpful for you, and you find the help you need!

If you need more information, please take a look at our complete guide to dog cancer for more details about this disease in dogs.

What Is Breast Cancer (Mammary Cancer) In Dogs?

Breast cancer in dogs is sometimes referred to as mammary cancer. This is because it refers to a type of tumor that affects the breast tissue (or mammary glands) in dogs. 

If you found a lump on your dog’s breast area, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s cancerous, though! These mammary tumors, like all tumors, can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non cancerous), and approximately 50% of mammary tumors in dogs are not cancer.

Breast cancer in dogs is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in middle-aged and older females, especially those who are not spayed. In fact, female dogs that have not been spayed are up to 52 times more likely to develop a mammary tumor than those who were spayed before 6 months!

Of course, while breast cancer affects female dogs much more commonly, male dogs can and do get diagnosed with this cancer as well. Poodles, Daschunds, and Spaniels are the breeds that are most at risk for developing mammary cancer. 

There is also a correlation between increased chances of breast cancer and obesity at a young age. 

What Are The Signs of Breast Cancer In Dogs?

Generally, most pet parents will first recognize signs of a mammary tumor when they see or feel a lump under the skin of the abdomen. 

There are other signs of breast cancer in dogs that you should be aware of too, such as:

• Swollen and painful breasts
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Lethargy or weakness

Sometimes, the symptoms can be more severe if there is leaking or a rupture of the mammary tumor(s).

Dog Mammary Tumor Leaking

It’s possible for the mammary gland skin that is covering the tumor to turn into an ulcer. That means that it opens and creates a painful sore on the skin. If that happens, you might notice bleeding, or other discharge coming from the area.

Leaking mammary tumor in dogs

In even more severe cases, the masses can grow to a very large size. The skin weakened and put under tension by the tumor can then rupture. Breast tumor ruptures in dogs are quite rare, but it is a possible complication. It is therefore important to keep an eye on the masses of your animals. Some animals will be recommended for mass removal surgery by their veterinarian, to avoid going to the rupture of this one.

Breast Cancer In Dogs: Life Expectancy

As a loving dog parent, when you hear this diagnostic, your first question might be "What is dog mammary cancer life expectancy?". The lifespan of dog with mammary cancer depends on the size, severity, and spread of the tumors. Generally speaking, dogs diagnosed with breast cancer live for 9-12 months, or up to 24 months if the tumor is small and hasn’t spread to other body areas. 

The biggest concern for dogs diagnosed with breast cancer is recurrence of the tumor, with there being a 24-90% chance of recurrence, depending on how advanced the tumor is.

Treatment of Breast Cancer in Dogs

A lot depends on your pup’s specific circumstances, but your vet may recommend surgery and/or chemotherapy as treatment options.

When faced with such a large and challenging decision, it can be difficult to know what to choose - there are many emotions involved, and lots of information that needs to be carefully considered.

Many dog parent are looking for a dog mammary tumor natural treatment.

No matter what treatment option you decide to pursue, I know you are always looking for the best for your pet - and so are we!

Here at Zumalka, we are committed to providing natural products tu support your pet during a variety of health concerns, including cancer. That is why we have put together our years of expertise and knowledge to create PIPTOPET, a natural product made with medicinal mushroom specially designed for pup who's fighting cancer!

No matter how you choose to treat your pet, you can have peace of mind knowing that Piptopet natural and can be used on its own for short and long term use, and in addition with other treatment options, such as chemotherapy.

If you have any other questions about breast cancer in dogs, or any other health concerns for your pet, fill out our Free Consultation form to see how else we can help with your dog’s health!

We are always here to help you make informed decisions about your pet’s health. Feel free to call, email, or chat with us any time!

Did this article give you the information you needed? Do you have a pet suffering from breast cancer? Leave a comment and let us know, and don’t forget to share this article on social media to share the information with your friends!

About the author

Denise Lessard

HOMEOPATH, NATUROPATH, REFLEXOLOGIST, TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE THERAPIST

Denyse Lessard is deemed as the “mother” of Zumalka, which was established more than ten years ago to provide easily accessible natural products for pet wellness worldwide.

Besides being a trained alternative medicine therapist, Denyse also has expertise in homeopathy, naturopathy and iridology, reflexology, as well as Chinese medicine. She is a long-standing member of the Professional Union of Homeopaths of Quebec, as well as the Association of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists of Quebec.

Denyse’s philosophy as regards pet wellness is not just about only dealing with disease and illness when they get in the picture, but keeping animals in ideal health each and every day.

Find out more about Denyse when you click HERE.