Aspectos fisiológicos e principais patologias da glândula mamária de cadelas e gatas - revisão de literatura.

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to study, through review of literature, the physiological aspects of mammary gland, lactation and nutritional components of the milk from female cats and dogs, also describe the pathologies of higher incidence that affect the breasts of those species. The mammary gland, characteristic of mammals, is classified as a modified skin sebaceous gland, constituted of an alveolar tubule structure. Through hormonal stimulation (estrogen and progesterone) at the puberty stage reproductive anatomy and morphological changes begin in females, promoting the breast development. And, consequently, the milk synthesis and secretion in pregnant animals days before the offspring conception. Through colostrum ingestion, during the early hours of life, the animal acquires passive immunity against pathogens. Milk consumption contributes to develop the organic systems and body homeostasis promoting healthy growth and life. It is required, to a Veterinarian, to guide the owners in relation to some mammary origin pathology, that attack typically female cats and dogs. Among the main predisposing factors is worth mention obesity, aging in non-castrated females and the sustained hormone administration seeking to prevent pregnancy. Contributing to the mastitis development in female dogs, fibroepithelial hyperplasia in female cats and breast neoplasms, unanimous in both species.