Relação entre gestação e neoplasias mamárias em cadelas.

Abstract

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs and cats. In female dogs, neoplasms of the mammary gland is the most common tumor lesion. Studies on breast neoplasms do not describe the relation between previous pregnancies, breastfeeding of pups and mammary neoplasms in canine females. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the possible relationship between gestation and the incidence of breast neoplasms in bitches. 45 bitches in reproductive age, from different breeds, were diagnosed with mammary neoplasms. Anamnesis was performed with the owner using a questionnaire addressing several aspects related to the reproductive life of the animal such as castration, contraceptive use, number of pregnancies, pseudogestations, among other information. After the anamnesis, the general clinical status of the animal, the body score, the number, location, and diameter of the mammary nodes were evaluated with the aid of a pachymeter, as well as presence or absence of ulceration. Among the breeds of bitches diagnosed with breast cancer, 36% were crossbred, 18% were Poodle, 18% Pinsher, 9% Dashund, 7% Coocker Spaniel, 4% Beagle, 2% Shitzu, 2% Maltese, % Lhasa Apso and 2% Pekingese. Breeds foud were of small size. It was observed that from three pregnancies or more, the incicence of breast neoplasms was reduced, regardless of factors such as castration, contraceptive use or pseudogestations.