Epidemiological retrospective studies of feline mammary gland tumours in Bulgaria

Abstract

The research was performed on biopsy materials from spontaneous mammary gland tumours in cats referred for examination and treatment at the Department of Veterinary Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, as well as from private veterinary clinics from all over Bulgaria for the period 2000-2010 year. One hundred and twenty tumours were examined (one hundred and two malignant and eighteen - benign). Of all investigated tumours, 75 (62.5%) affected mixed breeds and 45 (37.5%) - purebred cats. From the investigated 120 mammary gland tumours, 117 (97.5%) were found in female cats and 3 (2.5%) in males. All benign neoplasms were solitary formations. From malignant tumours, 60 (58.82%) were multiple and 42 (41.18%) - solitary formations. Based on the final histopathological diagnosis, 102 (85%) of all mammary gland tumours were determined as malignant and 18 (15%) as benign. Of all neoplasms, 115 (95.84%) were diagnosed as epithelial and 5 (4.16%) as mesenchymal. The average age of affected animals was 10 (5-15) years. The most common feline mammary gland tumours according to our study were: tubulopapillary carcinoma - 60 (50%), solid carcinoma - 15 (12.5%), fibroadenoma - 13 (10.83%), squamous cell carcinoma - 10 (8.33%) and cribriform carcinoma - 7 (5.83%).