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HOW I TREAT
In this How I Treat column, Annette Smith, DVM,
MS, DACVIM, answers our questions on diagnosing
and treating mammary carcinoma in dogs.
Q. What is the estimated incidence
of mammary carcinoma in dogs, and
what risk factors are associated with
its development?
A. Mammary tumors are the most common
tumor in intact female dogs, occurring in
approximately 25% of this population, with the
risk increasing with age. However, because of the
incidence of early neutering in the United States,
we see fewer cases in veterinary practice. Spaying
before the first estrus cycle has been reported to
decrease the incidence to approximately 0.5%, and
spaying before the second estrus cycle remains
protective, with an incidence of approximately
8%. Besides hormonal exposure, obesity at the
time of puberty and ingestion of red meat and
homemade diets have also been reported to be
risk factors for mammary cancer development.
Q. What diagnostic plan should you
follow to get a definitive and staged
answer?
A. Mammary tumors require pathology after
tumor removal for a definitive diagnosis, although
Today's Veterinary Practice " How I Treat " column is
based on the popular How I Treat sessions presented
at the annual NAVC Conference in Orlando, Florida
( navc.com/conference ). This column features
interviews with leading veterinary specialists
on pertinent clinical topics, with the
goal of bringing practitioners essential
information on therapeutic approaches.
How I Treat…
Mammary Carcinoma
AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. ANNETTE SMITH
shutterstock.com/InBetweentheBlinks
Annette Smith, DVM, MS, DACVIM
Auburn University
HOW I
TREAT