Veterinary approaches to canine mammary tumors and knowledge of the consensus statement in Brazil

Abstract

Mammary gland tumors are one of the most commonly diagnosed tumors in female dogs, with a reported prevalenceranging from 26 to 73% in Brazil. In recognition of the importance of these tumors veterinary researchers and clinicians in Brazilproduced the first consensus statement regarding canine mammary tumors in 2010. The intention was to establish criteria fordiagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. This study evaluated the methods of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and determination ofprognosis used by veterinarians in Brazil, and sought to quantify the number of veterinarians who were aware of the consensusstatement. One hundred and three veterinary clinics participated in the study, 87.37% of which recommend early neuteringas a preventative treatment for mammary tumors. For diagnosis, 100% of these use laboratory testing, 94.17% perform chestradiography, 78.64% incisional biopsies, 44.66% cytological analysis, and 13.59% immunohistochemical analysis. The mostcommon surgical procedure is unilateral mastectomy (72.81%), and chemotherapy is performed in 49.51% of the clinics. Ofthe 103 clinics, 66.01% were aware of the consensus. Although knowledge of the consensus statement is widespread amongveterinarians in Brazil, not all its recommendations are being followed. Preventive actions for canine mammary tumors are wellestablished in most parts of the country. However, the consensus statement has had little influence on informing prognostic andtherapeutic approaches, with a poor uptake of surgical removal of lymph nodes and immunohistochemical examination.