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Rapid Identification of Benign Canine Mammary Tumors

The quick way to distinguish benign canine mammary tumors is to perform cytology testing. Because tumors are a tissue that appears after cellular mutation, it is impossible to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant by visual inspection. Only through cytology testing can we observe whether there is cancerous transformation in the tumor tissue. If it is a tumor, it is necessary to remove it promptly through surgery and adopt reasonable chemotherapy measures.

  1. Symptoms of Canine Mammary Tumors

Canine mammary tumors often occur in unspayed elderly female dogs. On visual inspection, you can see prominent nodules in the mammary region with clear boundaries, varying in shape, size, color, and texture. Palpation reveals a hard and locally raised area, with increased skin temperature. Dogs may also show symptoms such as depression, loss of appetite, and severe weight loss. Diagnosis usually requires ultrasound or X-ray examination at a pet hospital.

  1. How to Distinguish Benign from Malignant Canine Mammary Tumors

Generally speaking, malignant mammary tumors are characterized by occurring in the last pair of mammary glands, with single or multiple nodules visible. These nodules may be relatively large and movable. Inflammatory breast cancer can cause diffuse swelling of the mammary glands, with aggressive invasion, unclear boundaries, rapid growth rate, rich blood vessels, and may cause tumor metastasis.

  1. What to Do If Your Dog Has a Mammary Tumor

If your dog has a mammary tumor, it is recommended to take it to a pet hospital for examination to determine if it is a malignant or benign tumor and its size. If the tumor is benign and the dog is not too old, you can directly contact the hospital for surgical removal. However, if the dog is already older and there is a certain risk of anesthesia, conservative drug treatment can be considered after discussing with the doctor. If the tumor is malignant, surgery is not recommended, as it may continue to grow after removal.