Companion Animal Welfare

Dog Welfare and Mammary Tumour Management

Mammary tumours are common in intact female dogs. Early surgical removal and understanding of malignancy risk guides welfare-optimal management.

Key Facts

Mammary tumours are the most common tumour in intact female dogs
Around 50% of mammary tumours in dogs are malignant
Spaying before the first or second heat dramatically reduces mammary tumour risk
Surgical excision is the primary treatment and should be as wide as needed
Chest X-rays and lymph node assessment guide prognosis and treatment planning

Welfare Considerations

Mammary tumours cause welfare harm from tumour growth, secondary effects, and untreated malignancy. Early surgical intervention provides the best welfare outcome for affected dogs.

What You Can Do

Check intact female dogs regularly for mammary lumps
Seek veterinary assessment promptly for any new mammary lump
Consider spaying intact females to dramatically reduce mammary tumour risk
Request full staging including chest X-rays before surgery for any suspicious lump