Mastopathy in dogs treatment. Mastopathy in a dog. In severe cases, symptoms are more pronounced

Oncological diseases are increasingly common in pets. This is due to the ecology of the planet, genetics, medications, and sometimes the age of the dog. A discovered tumor always causes stress for an owner who loves his four-legged pet. This article will discuss the causes, characteristic symptoms and methods of treating such a pathological neoplasm on the mammary glands as mastopathy in dogs.

Mastopathy in dogs is a predominantly benign tumor that is located on the mammary glands. In 35% of cases, it is recognized by specialists as malignant oncology, requiring immediate removal. According to statistics, it is more common in older females who have crossed the age of 7 years. Although neoplasms sometimes occur in very young individuals.

Forms of the disease

Veterinarians distinguish two forms of this neoplasm, each of which has its own signs and characteristics. Let's look at them in more detail:

  1. Fibrocystic form. Two types of tissue are involved in the formation of mastopathy: glandular and connective. If the second of them predominates, then we can speak with confidence about this form. It is difficult, and removal of the tumor is quite problematic, as it requires excision of a large amount of healthy tissue. It is expressed on the pet’s body in the form of single and multiple nodular seals in the mammary glands. If left untreated, they spread quickly. Most often, older individuals suffer from this form.
  2. Diffuse form. Its appearance is marked by painful symptoms in the dog, which appear a couple of days before the onset of estrus. It often precedes the fibrocystic form described above. When palpating the mammary glands, the owner may feel as if there is a bag of pellets under the animal’s skin.

Causes

Let us note right away that veterinarians do not have a clear answer as to why mastopathy appears. Among experts, there was an opinion that the cause of this neoplasm was the hormone progesterone, but recent research has shown that there is no clear connection between the disease and the hormone. One thing is certain: progesterone accelerates the development and growth of a tumor, regardless of its etiology. Therefore, it is better for females whose owners do not plan to breed puppies to undergo sterilization. Preferably before 1-2 heats.

Approximately 45% of breast cancers have receptors for the release of progesterone or estrogen. In the case of benign neoplasms, the percentage of probability is even higher. Experienced doctors are convinced that complete removal of the mammary glands or ovaries makes sense even if the tumor has already appeared. This will reduce the risk of relapse threefold. Therefore, veterinary surgery in this regard not only justifies itself, but also significantly increases the dog’s chances of survival.

In addition to hormones, other causes can lead to mastopathy. In particular, mastitis, which can appear in a female after she gave birth to stillborn puppies or if the offspring died immediately after birth. No less dangerous are injuries contaminated with bacterial microflora or fungi. Some scientists completely attribute the etiology of mastopathy to the harmful influence of viruses. As owners may notice, there are a lot of factors for the occurrence of tumors on the mammary glands.

Statistics show one interesting fact. A breastfeeding individual has a significantly lower risk of developing mastopathy than one who is about to give birth. Experts attribute this to the fact that the bitch carrying a fetus gives a lot of useful substances to the puppy developing in her belly. This is what, in their opinion, can lead to various disruptions in the hormonal or immune system, which cause cancer.

Symptoms of the disease

The symptoms of this disease are quite characteristic. The tumor is not difficult to see or feel. It is much more difficult to determine whether it is benign or vice versa. Only professional diagnostics can help with this.

Signs of mastopathy include:

  1. The dog's mammary glands increase in size; upon palpation, they clearly feel veiny and grainy.
  2. The female's nipples begin to secrete ichor or colostrum.
  3. The animal becomes restless and constantly licks the mammary glands that are bothering her. Sometimes he even begins to limp on his paw on the side where it hurts.
  4. The tumor nodule may not grow for a long time and may be quite soft. Usually its increase in size becomes noticeable only after the next heat.
  5. If mastopathy is advanced, the female may lose appetite, suddenly lose weight, and become apathetic. An unquenchable thirst appears. There may be enlargement of the lymph nodes that are located closest to the tumor.
  6. At the site of the enlarged tumor, hair falls out, and the stretched skin becomes hot to the touch.
  7. Ulcers and ulcers may appear on the affected area.
  8. If the disease has progressed too far, the dog may begin to cough. This is direct evidence that the tumor has metastasized to other body systems.

It is important to understand that although mastopathy is considered a benign tumor, the risk of it developing into an aggressive, metastasizing sarcoma is too great to be neglected. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and go to see a doctor who will conduct a full diagnosis, including a biopsy, and make the correct diagnosis. Having dealt with the symptoms, let's move on to the question of how to treat mastopathy in dogs.

Treatment of the disease

If the neoplasm is detected promptly, then the veterinarian only monitors the dog, regularly conducting physical examinations during the course of a false pregnancy or estrus. Moderate use of drugs from the arsenal of homeopathy is acceptable, which, if the dog’s condition is stable, can stop the increase in nodules or even lead to their complete disappearance. The diffuse form of the pathology is treated with hormonal agents.

In the case where the specialist has clearly established that the tumor is growing rapidly, and by all indications it has a fibrocystic form, then surgery is urgently needed. However, it is necessary to take into account the patient’s current condition and his age. If the animal is too weak and very old, then the risk that it will not survive surgery is extremely high. Death threatens a pet even if the neoplasm has metastasized to other organs. The prognosis for complete recovery is not very comforting; relapses of the pathology are possible in the future.

It is useless to operate on a tumor that is too large and widespread. In this case, only palliative measures aimed at relieving painful symptoms and maximizing the dog’s life will help. This includes partial removal of the tumor and treatment of its remains with antitumor drugs. The female will spend the rest of her days taking painkillers.

Treatment at home is possible only after diagnostic procedures, when the doctor is absolutely sure that the mastopathy is benign. Owners are advised to apply a cold compress to the affected area twice a day, as well as give a gentle massage. With the help of Trauma-gel it is permissible to carry out hygienic manipulations over the tumor that has arisen. If pus does not come out of the nipples, then you can bring the puppies for feeding, this will avoid stagnation of the milk mass.

Finally, I would like to say that the owner needs to regularly palpate the pet’s mammary glands to see if they are thickened, as well as perform a routine examination of the dog at the veterinarian. For preventive purposes to avoid mastopathy, it is best to sterilize the dog.

Mastopathy in dogs is a benign tumor of the mammary gland. Formed in dogs at the age of 6-7 years. If treatment is not started in a timely manner, the consequences of the disease are very serious.

Types of mastopathy

Neoplasms are of two types - benign and malignant. About 60% of all tumors are benign, 40% are cancerous. It is impossible to distinguish them visually due to the different types of cells involved in the development of formations.

It would be wrong to think that since mastopathy is a benign tumor, it means that it does not pose a danger. On the contrary: any tumor of the mammary gland in a dog, regardless of classification, is dangerous, and if left untreated, a benign tumor can degenerate into malignant.

Conventionally, mastopathy is usually divided into fibrocystic and diffuse.

The first type, diagnosed mainly in older dogs, is characterized by the formation of single or multiple compaction nodules that grow rapidly.

The second form can develop several days before estrus and is considered a precursor to fibrocystic mastopathy. The diffuse form is characterized by small nodules (“bags of shot”), which can be easily felt during palpation, painful sensations, and swelling of the mammary gland.

Causes

For a long time, the main version explaining the appearance of mastopathy was considered to be the presence of the hormone progesterone in the body, which, according to most scientists, accelerates the development of benign tumors. That is why doctors suggested sterilizing dogs at an early age (before the first or second heat), this significantly reduced the risks.


However, it was later established that progesterone contributes to the occurrence of not only benign, but also cancerous formations. An effective measure that can protect dogs from health problems is sterilization, so if the bitch is not going to be bred, it is advisable to undergo surgery for safety reasons.

At the same time, age is not a decisive factor provoking the development of mastopathy.

However, not only hormones can serve as an impetus for the appearance of benign formations. Sometimes mastopathy appears after mastitis, if puppies are stillborn or die, as well as as a result of injuries contaminated with pathogenic microflora or fungus. Incomplete treatment can cause re-inflammation at any time.

The development of mastopathy during the feeding period of puppies is practically excluded, but in pregnant bitches the disease is diagnosed very often.

Clinical picture

Mastopathy can manifest itself in different ways, here are the main symptoms:

  • single or multiple compactions of gland tissue (granular, dense);
  • redness and inflammation in the nipple area;
  • discharge from the nipples (bloody, gray-green, brown);
  • compaction of the entire gland;
  • asymmetry of the glands;
  • painful sensations in the gland upon palpation;
  • the affected gland differs from the others in size and skin tone;
  • the skin in the area of ​​mastopathy becomes hot, hair loss may begin there;
  • lack of appetite;
  • apathy, lethargy;
  • increased thirst;
  • hyperthermia;
  • cough (in severe cases).


A bitch may refuse to feed her offspring due to severe pain, and may even try to bite her cubs. The dog's behavior changes, it behaves restlessly, licks its belly in the area of ​​the nipples, and sometimes it can stretch out its paw, as if showing where it hurts.

The tumor grows and progresses very quickly, so if left untreated, it degenerates into a malignant tumor - sarcoma, adenocarcinoma, etc. With the development of any of the options and the occurrence of metastases, there cannot be a favorable prognosis. Even with proper treatment, an animal’s life can be extended, but health cannot be restored completely.

It has been noted that degenerating tumors are most often found in representatives of breeds such as poodle, East European shepherd, and Giant Schnauzer.

How to treat mastopathy

At an early stage, the veterinarian monitors and regularly examines the dog during the period of estrus and false whelping. If necessary, a course of homeopathic remedies can be prescribed to prevent the growth of nodes, keep them in a stable state, or make them disappear.

For diffuse forms of mastopathy, hormonal treatment is advisable. If the disease has turned into a fibrocystic form and the tumor progresses, drug therapy no longer makes sense; surgery is necessary as soon as possible.

In the postoperative period, the doctor prescribes hormonal therapy, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs.

Surgical intervention has contraindications: the dog is elderly, has chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, as well as a very large tumor.

If the tumor has degenerated and metastasized, there is also no point in performing surgery. Sometimes specialists can perform a palliative operation, the principle of which is to remove most of the tumor. The remaining area is treated with appropriate antitumor agents. This method can prolong the dog's life, but does not cure it completely.


Some owners are confident that it is possible to get rid of mastopathy with the help of traditional medicine, and are trying to carry out treatment at home. This is a dangerous misconception that leads to the growth and compaction of tumors in the gland. Thus, precious time that could be used for drug treatment and achieve good results will be lost.

Prevention of mastopathy

Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. Regular examinations by a veterinarian (at least 2 times a year) and sterilization (if the dog does not participate in reproduction) will help to avoid mastopathy. Sometimes a veterinarian may recommend special medications for prevention that prevent the formation and development of nodules.

Effective preventive measures also include high-quality balanced nutrition, good care, reasonable physical activity and, of course, attention to your pet.

Mammary tumors in dogs.

1. Tumor—,represented by newly formed tissue, in which changes in the genetic apparatus of cells lead to disruption of the regulation of their growth.

All tumors are divided depending on their potential for progression and clinical and morphological features into two main groups:

1. benign tumors,

2. malignant tumors.

There are 5 classic features of tumor tissue: atypia (tissue, cellular), organoid structure, progression, relative autonomy and unlimited growth.

Breast tumors occupy the second place in frequency of occurrence, second only to skin neoplasms. This pathology is relevant all over the world to this day. The main problem lies in early diagnosis and, accordingly, early treatment.

In more than 40% of cases, breast tumors are
benign.

The following signs are typical for tumors of the mammary glands of dogs: growth
in the capsule, multiplicity of nodes, complex histological structure and
wide morphological diversity.

Among the benign tumor conditions of the mammary gland in dogs, the following should be highlighted:

Mammalgia

Fibroadenoma

Leaf fibroadenoma

Mastopathy.

1. Mastodynia (mastalgia) - pain in the mammary gland. Cyclic
engorgement of the glands due to venous stagnation and swelling of the stroma
before estrus; at this time the mammary gland increases in volume
by more than 15%.

2. Fibroadenoma is a condition that is determined by dense elastic
consistency of the mammary gland, proliferation of connective tissue.
Fibroadenomas can be single or multiple, located in aqueous or several glands at once; they are often combined with mastopathy.
On palpation, fibroadenomas are defined as clearly defined dense
a rounded knot with a smooth surface that moves freely in the tissue
glands with pressure on it. Less commonly, fibroadenomas have a coarsely tuberous
surface. Their consistency varies, but they are always denser
mastopatic nodes. The skin over the nodes of fibroadenomas remains
unchanged.

The sizes of fibroadenomas vary: from very small, sometimes detectable
only with macroscopic studies, up to formations with a diameter of
several cm. In some cases, fibroadenomas grow quickly, reaching
large in size, occupying most of the mammary gland, deforming it; at the same time, they are clearly visible in the form of a protruding tumor node.

Leaf-shaped (phyloid) is a giant fibroadenoma consisting of
more cellular components than a typical fibroadenoma. This
forms that grow quickly reach large, sometimes gigantic
sizes. In cross-section, they have a layered structure, resembling sheets
folded book. Histological examination reveals growths of connective tissue rich in cellular elements, glandular ducts and cysts lined with proliferating epithelium, areas of intracanalicular and pericanalicular fibroadenomas.

3. Mastopathy is a fibrocystic disease,
characterized by a spectrum of proliferative and regressive changes
gland tissue with a violation of the ratio of epithelial and
connective tissue components. The main link in pathogenesis is a violation of hormonal regulation. Proliferative changes include hyperplasia, proliferation of lobules, ducts, connective tissue, and regressive processes include atrophy, fibrosis, and cyst formation. Histological changes consist of signs of adenosis, sclerosis, expansion of the ducts with foci of epithelial proliferation, combined in each case in different proportions, often with a predominance of one of the components.

Fibrocystic mastopathy (FCM) occurs in 70-75% of all cases
benign neoplasms in dogs. The peak incidence occurs at 6-8 years of age and is characterized by multiple and, as a rule, painful cystic formations, prone to changes during estrus.

2. Etiology

Benign tumors are mostly an expression
reactive growth due to increased functions (for example, endocrine glands, prostate, breast, uterus) or they arise as a consequence of chronic inflammation.

The etiological factors of malignant neoplasms are associated with specific tumor irritation, most of which are multifactorial in nature.
Under certain conditions, benign neoplasms can
degenerate and become malignant.

The following factors have etiological significance in the development of malignant tumors:

1.Physical factors.

Chronic damage: for example, with opisthorchiasis of carnivores, with
the effect of gall bladder stones on its wall is observed to be chronic
its damage, which can lead to tumors.

Chronic radiation exposure (radiation carcinogenesis):
ionizing radiation is now known to be carcinogenic
universal agent. The frequency and types of malignant and benign neoplasms induced by ionizing radiation depend on many factors, including the penetrating ability of their different types, the nature of the impact - external irradiation or internal (
inclusion of radionuclides, their organotropy), dose distribution during
time (acute, chronic, fractional exposure). So ultraviolet
irradiation can contribute to the development of skin tumors,
gamma radiation - respiratory systems, internal radiation can lead to the development of kidney and liver tumors (especially high levels of strontium and thorium).

2. Chemicals. More than 800 chemicals are known to have carcinogenic properties.

There are five groups of chemicals that are carcinogenic
action: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, aromatic
amines and amides (nitrogen dyes, naphthalene, insecticides), nitrogen-nitrous
compounds, alkylating agents (benzyl chloride), organic carcinogens (arsene trioxide, asbestos) and, in addition, plant alkaloids. These chemicals interact in complex interactions with hormones, the genetic and immune systems, and viruses. By itself, a chemical substance sometimes does not have a carcinogenic effect, but under the influence of additional implementing factors it becomes so. In animals, tumors arise as a result of the synergistic action of a number of carcinogenic factors, initiating (strong carcinogens) and activating (cocarcinogens). A number of substances that are not considered carcinogens, in combination with other factors, can contribute to the development of tumors. Some substances can promote the development of cancer in the embryonic period.

Carcinogens can also form in the body itself; it's basically
metabolic products of sterols, amino acids, proteins, etc. they are to varying degrees
have an oncogenic effect. So, cholesterol is weak, and its
cholestadiene metabolites exhibit significant blastomogenicity
activity. In an experiment on mice, when these carcinogens were introduced into
the body managed to cause lung adenomas, leukemia and lung cancer in them.
Carcinolipin is isolated from yolk. When administered with food or under the skin
in mice or rats, it caused them to develop cancerous tumors. Carcinolipin stimulates protein biosynthesis. Derivatives of bile acids: deoxycholic and apocholic acids have a carcinogenic effect. Tryptophan derivatives - ortho- and aminophenols (intermediate products of the conversion of tryptophan into nicotinic acid) also have a blastomogenic effect - with their help it was possible to cause bladder blastoma.

3. Oncogenic viruses. The etiological role of viruses in the origin of tumors in many animals can be considered proven. Carcinogenic viruses are divided into DNA viruses (polynoma, papilloma, adenoviruses and herpes viruses) and RNA viruses or oncoviruses. The latter are divided into types A, B and C according to their ultrastructure. Under the influence of viruses, several types of genetic changes can occur in cells: integration of the viral genome into the genome of a normal cell, mutations, epigenomic changes.

4. Mutations. The hypothesis about the role of mutation in tumorigenesis was proposed in 1914
year of Bovary. There is now evidence that in cells
tumor, the structure of chromosomes is rearranged.

5. Epigenomic changes are persistent changes in genetic properties,
accompanying cell differentiation during embryogenesis. Unlike mutations and integration of viral genomes, epigenomic changes do not appear to be associated with irreversible changes in cellular DNA.

6. Genetic factors. A small number of tumors can occur as genetically determined diseases. Dependence on “tumor” genes is associated with the appearance of congenital or hereditary
neoplasms. They have been proven for approximately 50 types of tumors. TO
dominantly inherited tumors include basal cell carcinomas, neuromas,
osteochondromas, multiple lipomas, cervical polyposis,
neurofibromatosis.

Hereditary neoplasms can occur as congenital or
developing immediately after birth, but can also develop in
growing young animals or even adult animals.

7. Hormonal factors. Many studies have shown that high doses of hormones (for example, steroids), implantation or removal of endocrine glands (castration, removal of the thyroid gland) can lead to the development of various types of tumors. Thus, an increased amount of estrogens in the blood of animals causes endometrial hyperplasia; in a prolonged state of this kind, endometrial carcinoma can develop.

A high dosage of hormones during involution of the endocrine glands can
lead to the occurrence of uterine fibroids, adenomas of the endocrine glands, as well as
promote the development of prostate, uterine, and ovarian cancer. In
During pregnancy, benign breast tumors often form
iron Developing or existing breast carcinoma,
on the contrary, it grows slowly, and after the birth of the animal it can grow rapidly
spread.

6. Age factors, the influence of breed, gender, color of the animal on
the occurrence of neoplasms in the body. With increasing growth, development and age of the animal, fundamental changes in the genetic apparatus occur.

Tumors occur at all stages of life, but most often in adults or old animals. For example, in dogs and cats, tumors are most often registered at the age of 6 to 10 years (on average 8 years), in horses and cattle - from 5 to 13 years (on average 8 years), in chickens - at 2 years. However, some tumors (of viral etiology) also develop in young animals. Thus, papilloma in cattle, horses, dogs is observed at the age of no more than 2 years, lymphosarcoma - in dogs aged 1 to 2 years, osteosarcoma - in dogs aged 1 to 2 years. 4 years, and in cats more
at an early age.

The breed, color and gender of animals have a certain significance in the occurrence of tumors. Among dogs, tumors are more often recorded in boxers and terriers; squamous cell cancer of the eye is noted in Hereford cattle; melanomas occur predominantly in gray horses. Females are more susceptible to cancer than males, and the uterus, vagina, and mammary gland are especially often affected. However, there are tumors that equally affect animals of both sexes.

3. Pathogenesis

Tumor tissue arises from normal tissue by transforming the latter. There are three phases in the transformation of normal tissue into tumor tissue.

The first stage is the transformation of a normal cell into a pre-tumor cell, while only the reactivity of pre-tumor cells changes, but morphologically they do not differ from normal. This process is based on the induction of changes in chromosomal mechanisms by a carcinogenic stimulus. In this case, genetic information is disrupted, primarily the loci responsible for the formation of cellular structures.

The second stage is the transformation of a pre-tumor cell into a tumor cell, the multiplication of these cells and the formation of a tumor node. The transformation of a pre-tumor cell into a tumor cell is due to the fact that accumulated cocarcinogens induce a carcinogenic effect and thereby contribute to the occurrence of mutagenic changes in cells, expressed by molecular changes in various parts of the genome, changes in the organization of entire chromosomes, and disruption of the mechanisms of chromosome replication. Due to distorted genetic information, cells lose the ability to form enzymes and proteins with characteristic organ and tissue specificity, and acquire the ability to synthesize embryospecific and heterologous antigens (including on their surface), the normal antigenic topography of the cell surface changes. All this determines their malignant properties in the future.

The third stage is the automatic unlimited growth of tumor tissue, due primarily to its escape from the control of the body’s regulatory systems due to the lack of strict correspondence between the protein composition and homeostatic factors

The physiological mechanisms of cell interaction with the environment undergo significant changes during malignancy. A malignant cell loses its contact connections with neighboring cells of the tissue structure and specialized contacts with the nervous system. It has been established that the process of malignancy is in direct connection with the release of malignant tissue from the regulatory influence of the nervous system.

Tumor tissue, compared to normal tissue, is poor in nerve elements and nerve fibers (afferent) - they are located on the periphery of the tumor tissue.

They do not have a corresponding blocking effect on tumor cells and homeostatic factors, in particular hormonal ones, which inhibit the growth of normal cells.

Thus, the loss of regulatory innervation influences, the enrichment of a highly developed membrane apparatus (the apparatus of active energetic interaction of the cell with the environment of existence), a specific change in functional properties, and high resistance to an altering stimulus determine the unrestrained growth of cancer cells. They act as an independent, perfect, self-regulating biological system with a tendency to persistent unbridled growth.

Genetic factors undoubtedly play a role in tumor transformation, but direct inheritance of true tumors has not been established. A predisposition to the occurrence of tumors is usually inherited, which can manifest itself throughout the life of the animal when exposed to carcinogenic factors.

Carcinogenic substances sensitize tissues to the development of blastomogenesis. There are also a number of nonspecific factors (actinomycin, B vitamins - especially B 12, etc.) that create the “soil” for the manifestation of the action of carcinogens.

Mutation mechanism of chemical and physical carcinogenesis.

Impact of carcinogenic factor

A mongrel dog was diagnosed with mastopathy. Adult. Formations appeared. We went to the vet and they said not to touch it. Let's go to others - the same. Similar increases began to appear in other places. I gave Ligfol, the changes are small. The dog makes it clear that it notices violations. What to do?

Answer

The main signs of mastopathy in a dog are an increase in the size of the mammary glands. They become dense and grainy to the touch. A variety of foreign secretions appear from the nipples: blood, ichor, colostrum. The dog begins to show anxiety and tries to lick the belly and nipple area. In some cases, the dog begins to pull its paw on the affected side.


The size of the tumor may not change for a long time. If a dog goes into heat or develops a false pregnancy, this phenomenon can provoke the growth of a tumor formation.

If the tumor is not treated in time, the dog begins to weaken and refuses food and water. He quickly loses weight, becomes lethargic and weak, and upon examination the regional lymph nodes are enlarged. The skin in the area of ​​mastopathy becomes hot and hair falls out. In severe cases, the dog begins to cough.

Treatment in the initial stages

  1. If mastopathy is in the initial stages of development, doctors resort to wait-and-see tactics and monitor the pet’s condition. The animal must be examined during estrus and false pregnancy.
  2. It is permissible to start treatment with homeopathic medicines. Medicines can suppress growth for a long time. If the mastopathy is small in size, complete resorption is possible.
  3. If the tumor continues to increase in size, treatment with hormonal drugs is prescribed. The treatment method is effective for diffuse forms of mastopathy.

Attempts to treat mastopathy at home are unlikely to lead to success. It will probably be possible to relieve the inflammatory process in the tumor area. However, you are unlikely to be able to eliminate the tumor itself. During the missed time, it can significantly increase in size.

A reliable way to get rid of mastopathy is surgery. In the postoperative period, the doctor prescribes hormonal therapy, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Homeopathic treatment – ​​Mastomethrin

The drug belongs to the category of homeopathic remedies, intended for the treatment of diseases of the mammary glands in dogs and cats. The drug contains microscopic doses of extracts from medicinal plants. In addition to herbal components, mastomethrin contains an extract from snake venom, sepia and a special antiseptic in small quantities.

The drug is prescribed for chronic inflammatory or dyshormonal disorders in the reproductive system of animals. Mastometrin is prescribed for the recovery of a dog after childbirth. It promotes contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus and restores the mucous membrane. In some cases, young females are prescribed the drug for hormonal imbalances leading to reproductive cycle disorders.

Conservative veterinarians are skeptical about prescribing homeopathic medications to pets. Microscopic doses of medicinal substances contained in homeopathic remedies have an effect either in the coming days or do not affect the health of the animal.

Hormone therapy - Covinan

The veterinary drug Covinan contains hormonal components. The principle of action is associated with the presence of synthetic progesterones - proligestone. The substance is a synthetic analogue of progesterone. The task is to suppress the hormonal function of the animal’s ovaries. The drug acts as a natural contraceptive.

Covinan is available as an aqueous solution for intramuscular injection. The dosage depends on the size of the animal. A detailed prescription plan for the drug will need to be obtained from your doctor.

The use of Covinan is contraindicated in females during lactation, pregnancy, and during estrus. Not suitable for bitches suffering from diseases of the genitourinary system. Covinan should not be prescribed to a female dog if the dog is in her first heat. The use has side effects, mainly associated with improper use of the drug: endometrial hyperplasia, pyometra, obesity.

Cantaren

Cantarene is a homeopathic medicinal substance used to treat mastopathy. The drug contains mainly plant components. Available in the form of tablets and solutions for intramuscular injection. Cantarene is used for a number of diseases of the reproductive system in animals. It has a pronounced antispasmodic effect, eliminates inflammation and pain. The drug is not very suitable for the treatment of acute conditions; its effect occurs after long-term use.

Solution for injection Cantaren is used in similar dosages as mastomethrin. A solution is prescribed at the rate of 0.1 ml per 1 kilogram of the pet’s body weight. The dosage of the tablet drug is calculated by the doctor taking into account the animal’s body weight.

The only contraindication to prescribing the drug is individual intolerance. According to practical studies, no side effects from the use of the drug have been identified.

If the listed drugs do not bring the desired effect, the dog’s condition continues to deteriorate, the size of the tumor increases, and the only effective measure seems to be surgical treatment in a veterinary clinic. Consult your treating veterinarian.

Mastopathy in dogs occurs quite often. This diagnosis means inflammation of the glandular tissue of the mammary gland. To make the correct diagnosis and to ensure that the correct treatment is prescribed for your dog, we advise you to contact the Animal Emergency Veterinary Care Center.

The veterinarians of our Ya-VET Center have all the necessary legal documents to conduct veterinary practice, and their many years of experience and knowledge help cope with even the most complex diseases of your pets. A veterinarian home call service is also available. To do this, you need to call and help for your four-legged pet will arrive immediately! Animal treatment is possible both at home and in the Center’s hospital.

General description of the disease mastopathy in dogs

The disease mastopathy occurs in dogs most often in bitches who have passed the age of six. Being a benign tumor, it develops on the 4th and 5th pairs of glands, but there have also been cases when the first two pairs were also affected by mastopathy.

It must be noted that The fifth pair of mammary glands is more susceptible to tumor formation than others.

This is due to her activity. If timely measures are not taken and treatment is not started, then the risk of other neoplasms is very high.

The appearance of these benign tumors is directly related to the hormonal profile of the bitch. That is why Inflammation of the mammary gland occurs in dogs after false whelping, estrus, pregnancy, sterilization surgery and other conditions with sudden hormonal surges. The affected mammary gland has a soft, elastic consistency. The temperature at the site of inflammation is increased.

Mastopathy in dogs: forms of progression

Benign course of mastopathy occurs more often than malignant degeneration. Due to the participation of gland cells and connective tissue capsule in the inflammatory process, sometimes differentiating mastopathy from cancerous tumors is difficult. Regardless of its initial nature, any mammary tumor in dogs poses a serious threat due to the high risk of developing cancer.

In bitches it most often occurs diffuse or fibrocystic mastopathy. If connective tissue predominates in the formation of a tumor in a bitch, then this marks the beginning of the development of fibrocystic mastopathy.

This disease is difficult for dogs to tolerate, and the damaged gland must be subjected to mastectomy, that is, removal.

    The most common forms of tumors are:
  • Adenoma (including complex adenoma).
  • Fibroadenoma.
  • Papilloma (it forms in the ducts of the gland).
  • Fibroadenocarcinoma.

Additionally, tumors of the mammary glands are divided into tubular, papillary, cystic, osteogenic and a number of others.

This type of tumor is characterized by the fact that they can be either single or multiple. However, they most often develop in older bitches. There are also diffuse mastopathy, in which pain appears in the affected gland upon deep palpation. This misfortune appears more often before the onset of estrus.

Mastopathy in dogs: main causes and symptoms

Most common mastopathy occurs with injuries to the mammary glands and as an infectious process. In turn, the infection begins to develop when there is severe lactostasis(stagnation of milk) and with general infectious processes in the body.

A large number of inflammations are due to hormonal disorders. The hormone progesterone acts most strongly in this regard. The birth of stillborn puppies or the death of a litter immediately in the postpartum period also leads to the onset of the development of mastopathy in bitches.

    TO symptoms of mastopathy in dogs include:
  • enlargement of the inflamed gland;
  • discharge from the nipples of blood and/or colostrum mixed with ichor;
  • in advanced stages, the iron becomes dense and hot;
  • Ulcers and suppuration may appear on the skin.

If mastopathy is not treated, the process spreads to the internal organs and becomes malignant.

Mastopathy in dogs: treatment and preventive measures

For optimal effect on the bitch’s body and tumor treatment The etiological factors of the disease are carefully examined. Eg, for the treatment of diffuse forms of mastopathy Hormone therapy is widely used. And here to eliminate fibrocystic tumors Surgical treatment is already being used.

    Before starting a therapeutic intervention, the following studies are mandatory:
  • General laboratory blood test.
  • General laboratory analysis may be possible.
  • Ultrasound of the affected gland.
  • X-ray examination.
  • Biopsy.

When choosing a treatment method, it is taken into account that older dogs may not be able to tolerate the operation. In such cases, the most effective conservative treatment is selected. By the way, surgery may also be contraindicated in young dogs with a history of liver and/or kidney disease.

For long-term maintenance therapy, homeopathy is chosen. This form of treatment inhibits tumor growth and significantly supports the normal functioning of the animal's body. This treatment is the most gentle of all described.

Preventive measures to prevent mastopathy It is recommended for all owners of bitches, especially the older age group. At least twice a year, take your girl for examination by a veterinarian at the Animal Emergency Veterinary Care Center. Preventing injuries and infected injuries also reduces the risk of disease.

It is recommended to sterilize all bitches that are not used for breeding to alleviate hormonal imbalances or eliminate them completely. Additionally, you can consult a doctor and use a variety of veterinary pharmaceuticals to prevent the development of a tumor process in the mammary glands. If you have the slightest suspicion of the beginning of the development of mammary gland mastopathy in a dog, contact the Ya-VET Center for Emergency Veterinary Care for Animals.

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