Mammary Tumors in Dogs

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                      General Information



Mammary tumors are the most common tumor in female dogs.  Both

malignant (cancerous) and benign tumors can occur.  The cause of

these tumors is unknown, but there is a hormonal influence on

tumor development and rate of growth.  Treatments for mammary

tumors include surgery, irradiation and chemotherapy.  The type

of treatment used is determined by the kind of tumor and the

degree to which it has spread.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Surgical removal of these tumors is the treatment of choice.

    A sample of the tissue will be submitted to a pathologist to

    determine whether the growth is cancerous.



2.  Various blood tests and radiographs (x-rays) may be necessary

    to determine if the tumor has spread to other parts of the

    body.



3.  Give all medication as directed.  Call the doctor if you

    cannot give the medication.



4.  Diet:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Feed the normal diet.



    ____A special diet is required.Feed as follows:





5.  Activity:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Allow normal activity.



    ____Restrict activity as follows:





6.  Surgical patients:  Inspect the incision daily.  Report any

    abnormalities to the doctor.



7.  Special instructions:





       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet is reluctant to eat or drink, or seems depressed.



    * Vomiting occurs and persists after the first few hours home.



    * Your pet removes the sutures or otherwise damages the incision.



    * There is swelling or drainage from the incision.



    * There is a new enlargement of the mammary glands.