SILVA, Juliana Maria da.
Resumo:
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.