Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Risk factors and rates of mammary tumors in female cats
By Pickard Price, P et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2023·The Royal Veterinary College, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Epidemiology and risk factors for mammary tumours in female cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study found that middle-aged female cats, especially purebreds, are at a higher risk for developing mammary tumors. Out of nearly 3,000 potential cases, 270 cats were diagnosed with these tumors, which translates to an incidence of about 104 cases per 100,000 cats. The average survival time after diagnosis was around 18.7 months. This information can help veterinarians recognize which cats might be more susceptible to mammary tumors and provide guidance on what to expect after a diagnosis.
People also search for: cat mammary tumor symptoms · female cat cancer survival · purebred cat health risks
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the incidence and risk factors for mammary tumours in female cats attending UK primary-care practices. The study hypothesised that middle-aged, intact and certain breeds are associated with increased mammary tumour risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control study design identified mammary tumour cases by assessment of electronic patient records, nested within a denominator population of 259,869 female cats attending 886 primary-care VetCompass participating veterinary practices in the UK in 2016. RESULTS: From 2858 potential mammary tumour cases identified within the denominator, 270 cats met the case definition, giving an incidence risk of 104 per 100,000 (0.104%, 95% confidence interval 0.092 to 0.117%) during 2016. In the risk factor analysis increasing age, purebred compared to crossbred and veterinary group were associated with increased odds of mammary tumour. Median survival after the diagnosis of mammary tumour cats was 18.7 months. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The current study provides an updated estimate of the incidence of mammary cancer in cats seen in primary care veterinary practice in the UK with increasing risk seen in older cats and with purebred status. This study can aid veterinary surgeons to identify cats at greater risk of mammary tumour and advise on survival after diagnosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37012055/