MAMMARY LUMP OR NODULE (DOGS/CATS)
WHAT THIS SYMPTOM USUALLY MEANS
Mammary lumps range from benign cysts to malignant tumors. In unspayed females, risk of cancer increases dramatically with age and heat cycles.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
MILD
• Mammary cyst
• Fatty mass
MEDICAL
• Benign tumor
• Malignant mammary carcinoma
• Hormone-responsive mammary hyperplasia
• Early infection
EMERGENCY
• Rapidly enlarging mass
• Ulcerated mass
• Painful swelling
RED FLAGS
• Hard, fixed nodules
• Multiple lumps
• Bloody discharge
• If unsure, treat it as urgent.
AT-HOME CARE
• Prevent licking
• Monitor size weekly
WHAT A VETERINARIAN WILL CHECK
• Fine-needle aspirate
• X-rays for metastasis
• Ultrasound
• Biopsy
MOST LIKELY DIAGNOSES
• Benign cyst
• Mammary tumor
• Mastitis
• Hormonal hyperplasia
WHEN TO SCHEDULE
• Today: painful or ulcerated lump
• 1 week: small, non-painful lump
LONGEVITY IMPACT
Early removal of mammary tumors dramatically increases survival.
LONGEVITY CONSULT
Ideal after any mammary mass diagnosis.