Mammary Tumors (Feline Mammary Carcinoma)

Mammary Tumors (Feline Mammary Carcinoma)

Species: Cat

Breeds Affected: Primarily unspayed or late-spayed females (85–90% are malignant); rare in males

Cancerous tumors of the mammary glands; the third most common cancer in cats. Most are malignant adenocarcinomas with a high risk of metastasis. Spaying at an early age greatly reduces the risk.

• One or more small lumps in the mammary chain that grow over time; they may be firm
• attached
• and sometimes ulcerate. Advanced cases may lead to weight loss
• lethargy
• or respiratory signs if metastasis occurs.

Surgical removal (radical mastectomy) is the main treatment. If tumors are bilateral, staged bilateral mastectomies are performed. Chemotherapy is often recommended postoperatively.

Surgery (complete excision of the tumor and affected tissue); doxorubicin (Adriamycin) or carboplatin as chemotherapy agents; NSAIDs (eg, piroxicam) for pain relief and possible anti-tumor effects.