Dogs that have Breast Cancer are usually unaware that they have it and in most cases seem to be oblivious to the condition that they are in. Certain types of Breast Cancer in dogs, like Inflammatory Carcinoma, can become quite aggressive and can cause discharges of the mammary gland. Discharging of the mammary gland can give your dog extreme amounts of discomfort.
The most common way that dogs are diagnosed is during a routine physical check-up. Most dog owners are unaware that their dog has Breast Cancer until the doctor diagnoses them. To be proactive, here are symptoms that you should be looking for:
- Single or multiple firm lumps or swellings around the mammary gland
- Pain when mammary glands are physically manipulated
- Abnormal discharges coming from the nipples
- Enlarged lymph nodes
(To learn more about symptoms, click here: https://www.petwave.com/Dogs/Health/Breast-Cancer/Symptoms.aspx)
Some dogs are more prone to getting Breast Cancer. Types of dogs with an increased risk include:
- English Springer Spaniels
- Cocker Spaniels
- Brittany Spaniels
- English Setters
- English Pointers
- Toy and Miniature Poodles
- Dachshunds
- German Shepherds
- Dobermans
- Maltese Terriers and Yorkshire Terriers
Female dogs, especially older ones, also are at greater risk. A common method of prevention used for dogs is having them spayed before they go through their first summer. This often proves to be effective.