Page 3071 - Cote clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats 4th

past medical problems and current medications can alter the
medications that a dog or cat can take concurrently. SIGNS TO WATCH FOR
• Give medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian, and if As a possible indicator of mammary tumors:
you are concerned about possible negative effects, discuss them • At any stage: discoloration and/or bleeding on one or more
VetBooks.ir • Do realize the similarities and differences between humans and • If advanced or during the postoperative recovery period (1 to 2
with your veterinarian immediately rather than simply discontinuing
mammary glands, swollen mammary gland(s), discrete tumors
that you can feel or see.
the treatment.
pets regarding this condition: the importance of early detection weeks after surgery): general signs of illness, including lethargy,
and treatment is an important similarity, whereas the extent of weakness, decreased appetite, weight loss, and other behavior
mammary tissue (every dog and cat has ten mammary glands) changes.
and the very infrequent use of chemotherapy in veterinary patients
are important differences. ROUTINE FOLLOW-UP
• Do seek the opinion of a specialist if there is any doubt regarding • Patients diagnosed with malignant tumors should be examined
diagnosis (Is it a mammary tumor or not?) and treatment. Special- by their veterinarian every few months for recurrence of the
ists in this field are veterinarians who are certified as Diplomates tumors or metastasis.
of the American (or European) College of Veterinary Internal • Surgery is usually followed by suture removal (stitches removed)
Medicine, Specialty of Oncology (directories: www.acvim.org 10 to 14 days later.
or www.vetspecialists.com and www.ecvim-ca.org).

DON’Ts
• Do not delay contacting your veterinarian if you think you can
feel a lump, swelling, or mass on your dog’s or cat’s mammary
gland. Early detection and treatment can improve the prognosis.
• Don’t confuse normal structures (like the nipples) for masses. If
there is any uncertainty, be sure to note exactly what you feel
and where; otherwise, during the appointment, it sometimes
might be difficult for you to find the nodule or mass, especially
if it is small.
WHEN TO CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN
• If you cannot keep a scheduled appointment.
• If you are unable to give medication as directed. Practice Stamp or Name & Address
• If your dog or cat is not improving after surgery.
• If the surgical site (where the stitches are) becomes increasingly
red, swollen, painful, or discharging of fluid.

Also available in Spanish.

From Cohn and Côté: Clinical Veterinary Advisor, 4th edition. Copyright © 2020 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.