Impact of owners' perception and socioeconomic status on the treatment and clinical outcome of mammary neoplasms in female dogs.

Abstract

Mammary neoplasms are common in female dogs, so early diagnosis, appropriate medical intervention, and owner compliance are crucial for effective treatment and an improved quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the spatial epidemiology of mammary tumors in female canines and explore their relationship with owner demographics and attitudes toward pet care. A prospective cohort study was conducted at a University Veterinary Hospital, where clinical data were collected throughout the treatment process. Histopathological evaluations were performed for most patients undergoing mastectomy. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) methodology was employed to interview owners before and after clinical examinations of their dogs presenting with mammary lesions. Spatial analysis was conducted using QGIS software to assess clinical findings, survival rates, and owners' demographic and socioeconomic information. In the study, a total of 66 tumors were identified in 66 female dogs. The results indicated that unspayed, mixed-breed females, with an average age of 10 years, were the most affected, with 95 % of tumors classified as malignant. The mean delay between owner detection and veterinary consultation was 210 days. Regarding socioeconomic factors, 35 % of owners earned the minimum wage, while only 9 % earned more than six times the minimum wage. Concerning educational attainment, 52 % of participants had completed secondary education, and 35 % held a university degree. The findings demonstrated that income and education levels significantly influenced treatment adherence. Female owners, who comprised 66 % of respondents, exhibited greater knowledge of cancer risk factors and were more proactive in seeking veterinary care. Additionally, greater distance from the Veterinary University Hospital was associated with larger tumor size, higher malignancy rates, and longer detection times, highlighting the importance of targeted educational initiatives to promote early detection and treatment of mammary neoplasms in female dogs.