False pregnancy in dogs: causes, signs, treatment. Causes of a mammary gland tumor in a dog and how to treat A chihuahua has swollen mammary glands

Such hormonal changes are evolutionarily determined and occur in pack dogs. In a flock, estrus in females occurs at the same time, therefore, puppies are born at the same time. Hormonal changes allow even non-pregnant females to participate in the nursing of puppies, thanks to which even cubs whose mother has lost her milk or died survive.

In the wild, when there is not enough food, females produce less milk, and the strongest puppies survive. This is advisable so that the flock does not increase in adverse conditions and there is no competition for a small amount of food. To prevent and treat false pregnancy in domestic dogs, artificial "unfavorable conditions" are created - a diet with a reduced calorie content and increased physical activity.

This condition is not a pathology. Associated with hormonal imbalance. In the body of an animal after estrus, yellow bodies begin to be produced. Accordingly, due to the high release of lactogenic substances, signs of pregnancy appear.

If the female does not have fertilization, the yellow bodies gradually disappear, the body returns to normal. The life span of the corpus luteum is equal to the gestation period of dogs - up to 70 days.

Causes of the syndrome: metritis, purulent inflammatory processes (pyometra); lack of regular breeding activities; uneven or increased production of a hormone that occurs only during pregnancy.

Whether fertilization has happened or not, pregnancy hormones are still secreted in the animal. The more hormones, the more pronounced pseudo-pregnancy syndrome.

Depending on the age of the dog, its physiological state, there are several main causes of swelling of the mammary glands in an animal.

1. Galactostasis is an excessive accumulation of milk in lactating animals, which leads to inflammation of the mammary gland (mastitis). This, for example, happens if the puppies do not completely empty the mammary glands of the mother and leave a lot of milk.
2. Galactorrhea is the secretion of milk from the mammary glands in a dog that is not feeding. At the same time, the gland also swells, looks edematous, and a secret appears from it from a transparent to milky and yellowish color.
3. Mastitis is an infection of the breast. Mastitis may affect only one or a few glands in a dog. In addition to edema, there may be hyperemia of the gland, fever and severe pain.
4. Tumors (neoplasia) of the breast are malignant neoplasms that can affect one or all of the mammary glands in a dog.
5. Fibroepithelial hypertrophy of the mammary glands is a benign growth of breast tissue.

Older animals over 6 years of age are primarily at risk. At the age of 10 years, according to veterinary statistics, every fifth dog undergoes a neoplasm.

In addition, the likelihood of developing a malignant tumor during an early operation to remove the genital organs (at the age of 6 months) in a dog is almost zero.

Most experts believe that the source of this condition in dogs is hormonal changes during the sexual cycle. As you know, there are several phases of the estrous cycle, namely: 1) proestrus: the period preceding estrus, during which the formation of eggs ready for fertilization occurs;

2) estrus: coincides with estrus, optimal time for mating 3) metaestrus: the period after the end of the “hunt”, during which the regression of the so-called “corpus luteum” occurs if fertilization has not occurred 4) anestrus: the state of “rest”, when the bitch's sexual behavior is not manifested or manifested weakly.

False pregnancy occurs because the regression of the corpus luteum promotes the production of progesterone, the hormone of pregnancy. Unlike other animals, in dogs, the corpus luteum does not dissolve, but functions for about 60 days, regardless of whether the bitch is pregnant or not. Thus, the brain and internal organs of the dog, as it were, receive a “hormonal signal” that it is necessary to prepare for the appearance of puppies. When the time comes when the dog would have to give birth, the release of prolactin, a hormone that contributes to the production of milk in the dog, begins.

• The tumor can be presented as either a single solid neoplasm, or in the form of several seals.
• The owner can discover them on his own. To do this, he will need carefully palpate the mammary glands of the pet.
• A newly grown tumor resembles a hard pea, which almost does not move in the subcutaneous layers.
• Sometimes AMF grows rapidly in size and in 3-4 weeks increases by 2 times.
• Distinguish a benign neoplasm from a malignant one can only veterinarian. A non-cancerous tumor has a smooth surface. She has a small size. It grows quite slowly.

malignant tumor

The following are typical of a malignant neoplasm:

1. Rapid growth.
2. Wrong shape.
3. Stability on the surface of the skin and other tissues.
4. The appearance of bleeding.
5. Changing the shade of fabrics.
6. The appearance of ulcers.
7. Swelling of the paws.

The last sign appears only when the lymph nodes are affected.

early stages

In the early stages, cancer develops without symptoms. Without regular probing of the mammary glands, a dangerous disease can be detected only when it develops to a critical stage.

Types of breast tumors

Owners should be clear that mammary tumors in dogs are not always a death sentence. Experienced veterinarians are convinced that cancer occurs only in 40% of cases. Now we will understand what types of oncology of the mammary glands are.

Benign neoplasms include:

• adenomas: simple and complex;
• papillomas formed on the milk ducts;
• fibroadenomas;
• neoplasms of a mixed type, which consist of glandular and connective tissues.

Malignant tumors are presented as:

• carcinoma;
• fibrosarcoma and osteosarcoma;
• tubular cancer;
• nipple adenocarcinoma;
• anaplastic cancer.

Thus, the treatment of a breast tumor depends entirely on the course of the pathology itself in a dog in the body. If we talk about the differences in treatment depending on the tissue type of tumor, then within the same course, the methods of therapeutic action are always similar to each other.

In veterinary practice, there are more than a dozen different types of mammary tumors in dogs. A complex classification is associated with the histological structure of the tumor, its localization, damage to one or another tissue/cellular structure. In general, all neoplasms are divided into benign and malignant (cancerous).

Malignant

The main distinguishing feature of a cancerous tumor is its rapid growth and the ability to metastasize throughout the body. In dogs, two forms of malignant neoplasms are distinguished - nodular and diffuse. In the first case, the swelling is small and can be single or multiple.

With a diffuse form, an extensive, diffuse, pathological formation without clear boundaries is observed. This form of pathology has the most unfavorable prognosis for the pet's life.

Types of breast cancer include:

• papillary adenocarcinoma;
• shell cancer;
• carcinoma;
• anaplastic cancer;
• sarcoma;
• tubular cancer.

The most aggressive form of neoplasms is adenocarcinoma and armored type of pathology. Both varieties are characterized by lightning-fast growth, the rapid formation of metastases in the internal organs and regional lymph nodes.

benign

This type of neoplasm in the mammary gland of a dog is characterized by long development, the absence of metastases, and a favorable prognosis for a sick pet. In veterinary practice, the following types of such tumors are known:

• adenomas;
• fibroadenomas;
• papillomas;
• mixed neoplasms.

Most often, fibroadenoma is diagnosed in dogs, which makes up approximately 35 - 40% of calls for swelling in the mammary glands.

Causes of False Pregnancy in Dogs

The syndrome appears approximately 5-8 weeks after the last estrus (estrus). It is easy to identify by signs:

• morning sickness: nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, abdominal cramps. Possible constant hunger, frequent urination, swelling of the mammary glands;
• change in appetite - the dog either eats a lot, or refuses to eat, or there is a change in food addictions;
• weight - increases, milk or colostrum appears, the mammary glands swell;
• coprophagia - sometimes the animal begins to consume feces for food;
• anxiety - by the time of the false birth of the cubs, the bitch has shortness of breath, the behavior becomes agitated, the animal refuses to go for a walk. If the owner begins to insist on walking, the false mother begins to “cry” and imitate abdominal cramps near the entrance;
• nesting - the bitch begins to build a nest, expressing affection for toys, slippers and other things that in her imagination play the role of puppies (brings to the nest and protects from others).

Pseudo-pregnancy is characterized by signs that are observed in the process of real pregnancy. Accordingly, if the listed signs are found in the bitch, it is worth contacting a veterinarian for a correct diagnosis.

• - enlargement and swelling of the mammary glands;
• - changes in the pigmentation of the mammary glands;
• - formation and secretion of milk (colostrum) from the mammary glands;
• - swelling of the loop and the appearance of secretions from it;
• - loss of appetite.

In addition to the physical condition, the behavior of the bitch changes during pseudo-pregnancy:

• - the dog arranges a "den" - a place for future puppies;
• - pulls soft toys into the nest, with which he selflessly nurses (puts under his stomach, licks);
• - loses interest in other areas of life (walks, games, training), becomes apathetic or vice versa, nervous, "twitchy";
• - in the most difficult cases, the bitch may even begin to guard her den and non-existent puppies.

Signs of false pregnancy in dogs can be divided into physiological and behavioral. During the “spoon”, the dog’s stomach visually enlarges and sags, the mammary glands swell and, as it were, “roughen”. The bitch becomes restless, her appetite increases. She begins to prepare for the appearance of "puppies" - she builds a "nest", hides in secluded places in the apartment, sometimes on the contrary, she becomes overly sociable and even intrusive with the owners.

After the “delivery” period passes, the dog begins to babysit the toys, mistaking them for puppies. She can lie with them in the “nest” for a long time, reacting extremely aggressively to attempts to drive her out of there or take away toys. Shortly before or immediately after the “delivery” (about 2 months from the middle of the last estrus), the dog begins lactation (i.e., milk appears).

Many doctors advise spaying dogs to solve this problem, and in many cases this really helps (provided that the dog's reproductive organs are removed, and not just "tubes tied").

If for some reason you do not want to sterilize your dog, you can try to eliminate or minimize the manifestations of false pregnancy after estrus by adjusting the dog's walking regimen and diet. Starting from the 9th day after the end of estrus, it is necessary to reduce portions of both food and water, excluding meat and dairy products, and at the same time increase physical activity for the dog. As practice shows, this noticeably "softens" or even helps to avoid the occurrence of false pregnancy syndrome.

If a false pregnancy in a dog is severe, the above symptoms are combined with apathy, you should seek professional veterinary help. Hormone therapy is often used to treat false pregnancies, but hormonal medications tend to have a number of side effects and can be dangerous.

Clinical picture and symptoms

A false pregnancy occurs 1-2 months after estrus, it is normal that the author of the report noticed swollen mammary glands in a pet later. Symptoms are manifested individually, sometimes clearly expressed, sometimes invisible.

Manifestations of false pregnancy:

• The mammary glands swell and enlarge.
• Colostrum begins to be released.
• The color of the mammary glands changes.
• Increases appetite.
• There are discharges from the loop (genital organs).
• Behavior changes: the dog becomes restless or lethargic, loses interest in walks, games, builds a nest and guards, nurses soft toys, licks them.
• The belly enlarges, as during pregnancy.
• In severe cases of severe hormonal disruptions, imaginary labor with contractions occurs.

Manifestations of the condition are individual, in the absence of discharge and change in behavior, the case is considered mild.

In the early stages, a breast tumor is almost impossible to identify. It can manifest itself in the form of a seal or a small pea, which is sometimes very difficult to notice. The animal does not react in any way to the developing pathology, it does not itch, does not whine, does not try to lick it. Obvious symptoms at the very beginning are given only by such an aggressive tumor as inflammatory carcinoma, which affects the mammary glands of a dog with extensive and painful abscesses.

Neoplasms on the glands are most often discovered by the owners by chance, while touching the organ. At that time, a lumpy, stable formation will already be formed there. However, veterinarians are advised to pay attention to such symptoms characteristic of a tumor:

1. Solitary or multiple, with good differentiation, lumps, swellings or nodules that are located in the tissues of the glands of the animal.
2. Often neoplasms are connected to the nipple, may be covered with sores.
3. Lumps and nodules can move freely under the skin of the animal, which is a good sign of their good quality. Or vice versa, they are well fixed and sit deep, which indicates a formidable sign of malignancy.
4. When you press your finger into the area of ​​​​the mammary glands, the dog may whine or even try to bite the owner. This indicates that the tumor is painful.
5. Unpleasant whitish discharge from the nipples.
6. Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit or groin. This is a terrible sign that the tumor has begun to metastasize.

It is extremely important for the owner to understand that in many respects the development of symptoms in the case of a malignant tumor is related to where exactly it will metastasize. For example, the presence of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is a sign that metastases are going to the lungs, lameness is in the bones of the paws. If the dog has any of these symptoms, it should be urgently taken to a doctor who will diagnose and determine how to treat the pet.

The external location of the mammary glands greatly facilitates the early detection of a dangerous pathology. However, for the timely detection of neoplasms, the owner should regularly feel the abdomen of the pet. The following symptoms should be alert:

• The presence of one or more seals under the skin. Often there is reddening of the skin.
• The consistency of formations can be dense, soft, loose.
• Seals on palpation can be mobile or tightly fused with surrounding tissues.
• Nipples change their anatomical configuration, increase in size, change color.

• On palpation, the animal may be worried, which indicates pain.
• The seals feel hot to the touch.
• In advanced cases, ulceration, opening of the tumor with the formation of fistulas are observed.
• When pressed, a purulent or bloody mass flows out of the nipple.
• The general condition of the dog also changes. The animal becomes lethargic, apathetic, avoids favorite games, reluctantly goes for a walk. The dog often licks the sore spot. There is a deterioration in appetite or a complete refusal to feed.

early stages

Diagnostics

Without a full range of diagnostic procedures, it will not be possible to cure the animal. Ordinary palpation, even if the doctor is very experienced, will never be enough to accurately determine the nature of the pathology. Therefore, with a tumor, a biopsy is required - tissue sampling from the affected tissue and its thorough histological examination.

X-rays and ultrasound are used to determine if the tumor is metastasizing. For example, if the animal began to limp, then an x-ray of the paw is prescribed for him, which will help determine whether the bone tissue is affected by cancer cells. The most optimal option is a comprehensive diagnosis, only with its help it is possible to establish at what stage the cancer is and what to do in order to stop its spread.

If a pet finds any, even insignificant at first glance, compaction in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe mammary glands, it is urgent to visit a specialized clinic. The veterinarian will palpate and determine the shape, boundaries of the formation, the presence of a reaction from the regional lymph nodes. After a clinical analysis of the history taking, the animal is prescribed an x-ray examination of the diseased area.

An informative diagnostic method is a breast biopsy under ultrasound control, followed by a cytological examination of the material. Based on histological analysis, the final diagnosis is made. As an additional method of examining the mammary gland in veterinary practice, magnetic resonance and computed tomography are used.

To clarify the diagnosis, the veterinarian prescribes the passage:

1. Radiography.
2. biopsies.
3. Cytology.
4. Aspiration.

• With help x-ray studies metastases are found in the lungs and lymph nodes. Ultrasound reveals neoplasms in the abdominal cavity.
• Breast discharge sent for microscopic analysis.
• Aspiration and cytology reveal inflammation. And also these diagnostic methods help to determine the type of tumor and how sensitive it is to the effects of medications.
• The most effective and informative diagnostic method is histological analysis.. It allows you to establish the nature of the detected tumor.
• The stage of pathology is determined by the size of the neoplasm. But the absence or presence of metastasis is also taken into account. In addition, the specialist undertakes to assess the degree of damage to nearby organs.
• If the dog is lame, it is recommended paw x-ray. This will help establish the presence of bone metastases.

In order to clarify the diagnosis, differential diagnosis is prescribed.

False pregnancy in a dog: prevention and treatment

Although the condition is not recognized as a disease, veterinary attention is required, especially in severe cases. False pregnancy gives the animal psychological discomfort, can lead to diseases of the mammary glands due to milk stagnation. For example, mastitis is possible.

Before visiting the veterinarian, try to help the animal yourself.

• You will need to transfer your pet to a lower calorie diet. Reduce the amount of protein products, exclude dairy products. If feeding dry food, choose a lower calorie variety ("Light"). In consultation with the doctor, decoctions of soothing herbs are given.
• If milk appears, the dog must not be allowed to suck, it is unacceptable to express - the action will become unnecessary stimulation of the mammary glands and increase milk production. If your dog frequently licks his nipples and sucks milk, put on an Elizabethan collar or collar. Try lubricating the nipples with camphor oil, alcohol, or aloe juice - substances with a strong odor.
• It is required to take the animal out for a walk more often, to increase physical activity. It is necessary to change the mode, time of walks, rearrange the bowl, change the sleeping place, distracting the pet from the experienced state and creating artificial “unfavorable conditions” that help the false pregnancy pass faster.

In many ways, the subsequent treatment of the animal after the diagnosis depends on the type of oncological disease. So, if the tumor is benign, then it is enough for the doctor to give the pet anesthesia, and then simply remove it. Such operations have a high chance of a successful outcome, and the risk of recurrence of the disease is zero.

The owner should be aware that no matter what type of cancer their pet has, removing the tumor will still involve about 2.5 cm of healthy tissue. And around the entire area of ​​neoplasm. Surgical interventions are usually differentiated by size, location and number of tumors. Let's consider them in more detail:

1. Lumpectomy - removal of only neoplasms with a rim of healthy tissue. After such an operation, the dog can still bear puppies.
2. Simple and regional mastectomy - removal of most of the affected breast.
3. Unilateral and bilateral mastectomy - complete removal of the mammary glands.

If the doctor has determined that the pathology has reached the 3-4 stage of development, then the dog is prescribed chemotherapy. With its help, you can somewhat slow down the growth and development of cancer cells. Unfortunately, the disease in the last stage, in the presence of the formation of distant metastases, is incurable. It remains only to improve the quality of life of the dog and eliminate the most unpleasant signs of the disease.

False pregnancy is not treated, it is not a disease. It is enough just to take away from the dog all the toys that in her mind are puppies.

But the prevention of false pregnancy should begin in advance. An important measure is diet. It is necessary to reduce the portions in half and feed less often. For example, instead of twice a day, transfer the bitch to a one-time meal. Remove meat, fat, vegetables from the diet, limit water intake (then milk will not be produced).

In the process of prevention, physical activity is necessarily increased. Long walks will help tire the animal more, tighten the stomach (if any), reduce or stop milk production.

If the prevention did not help and a false pregnancy began, and in an acute form, be sure to consult a doctor so that the doctor prescribes hormone therapy.

Rules of behavior of the owner during false pregnancy:

1. Don't scold the dog;
2. Distract with any activities, games, long walks, active running;
3. Do not ruin the nest - you risk provoking nervousness;
4. Limit food intake, especially protein, reduce the amount of water;
5. Remove from visible places things that the dog takes for puppies;
6. Watch the animal's reaction to lubricating the nipples with camphor to avoid an allergic reaction;
7. Don't pump or massage.

Depending on the cause of the dog's mammary edema, the following treatment may be used.

1. Surgical - complete removal of the milk ridge.
2. Antibiotic therapy and painkillers - for mastitis.
3. Weaning puppies and the use of drugs that stop lactation in galactostasis and galactorrhea.
4. Sterilization - with frequent episodes of galactorrhea in a dog.

There is no single answer to the question of whether the owners should intervene. The state of false pregnancy usually goes away on its own without any consequences, after 2-3 weeks.

To speed up the end of an imaginary pregnancy, you can use the following recommendations:

• - to reduce lactation (milk production), exclude all dairy products from the bitch's diet;
• - limit water intake (if you feed your dog dry food, switch it to natural food, because access to water will be temporarily limited);
• - reduce the usual portion of food;
• - load the dog physically, make it move more (this is useful not only for bringing the physical condition back to normal, but also for distracting it from caring for imaginary puppies);
• - do not express the accumulated milk - this will only stimulate its production;
• - remove all toys, avoid contact of your dog with other puppies.

Usually these measures are enough for the pseudo-pregnancy to end quickly and without consequences.

In rare cases, more serious intervention is required.

Your dog may need hormonal support (drugs containing progestogen, estrogens, androgens, prolactin antagonists). Homeopathic preparations (for example, ovariovit) have also proven themselves well. But the appointment and treatment should be carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist.

Problems with the mammary glands are also characteristic of such cases - mastitis (hardening of the mammary glands) may even appear. The dog's nipples should be lubricated with camphor oil (you can make compresses), and in order for the dog not to have free access to them, it is worth doing a bandaging of the abdomen, you can use an elastic bandage.

If your dog is susceptible to such severe false pregnancy, you should consider spaying it. This is the most reliable and effective way to prevent false pregnancy in dogs.

The strategy of qualified care for breast cancer in a dog is largely determined by the type and form of the neoplasm, the stage of development of the pathology, the age and general condition of the pet, the involvement of lymphatic tissue in the process, and the presence of metastases.

Removal through surgery

A radical method of treatment is the surgical removal of the pathological area. Mastectomy has a number of varieties. Only one half of the ridge of the mammary glands or the entire ridge can be excised.

The operation requires a high qualification of the surgeon, professional knowledge of the surgical technique, knowledge of the characteristics of the lymphatic outflow and compliance with the rules of antiblastic (preventing cancer cells from entering the surgical wound).

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy in veterinary practice is used as an additional method of therapy after surgical excision of the tumor and as an independent treatment when it is impossible to perform an operation. It is not a 100% panacea, its use is associated with the development of severe complications from the liver and kidneys, and the cardiovascular system.

The mammary gland is then removed. Often, regional lymph nodes are removed at the same time.

The operation is possible only in the absence of chronic pathologies. Otherwise, the four-legged client is considered inoperable.

Chemotherapy

If the disease has developed to stage 3-4, then the dog is prescribed a chemotherapy course. Treatment should be systematic. This allows you to suppress the growth and division of cancer cells.

In some cases, removal of the ovaries is indicated. But there is no evidence of the effectiveness of this method yet.

Medical therapy

If distant metastases are detected, the doctor prescribes palliative therapy. This can significantly improve the quality of life of the pet. For the relief of painful symptoms are used:

• painkillers;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• antibacterial drugs.

hormone therapy

Some veterinarians practice the use of Tamoxifen. But the effectiveness of hormone therapy has not yet been thoroughly studied. Detailed studies have not been conducted. The final conclusion will be made after additional research.

Disease prevention

False pregnancy can be prevented. It is supposed to take measures from the 9th day of estrus: increase the physical activity of the pet, limit the caloric content of food, protein content, stop giving dairy products.

A common misconception is that if you let the bitch get pregnant once and give birth, the dog will get rid of false pregnancies in the future. The opinion is erroneous, mating and the birth of puppies do not affect the likelihood of such conditions. If it is not planned to use the dog for breeding, a reliable way to prevent the described phenomena, especially if the violations are severe - sterilization.

There are no special preventive recommendations that allow you to completely avoid the disease. The best solution would be to sterilize the female before the first estrus, this will increase her resistance to this disease. In addition, you need to monitor the diet and hygiene of the dog, do vaccination and deworming on time. Feel the pet's mammary glands more often for the appearance of tumors. Early diagnosis is a disease half cured.

The owner can prevent severe pathology in a four-legged pet by observing the following recommendations of veterinary specialists:

• If the animal is not purchased for breeding and does not represent a breed value, the dog should be sterilized at the age of 6 months.
• Do not use hormonal drugs to control sexual behavior.
• Regularly examine the mammary glands to detect seals.
• Visit the veterinarian once every six months when the animals reach 6 years of age.
• Timely treat diseases of the genital area in dogs.
• Adhere to the principle of rational nutrition, walk more with your pet outside the city, and avoid stressful situations.

The best known way to prevent such tumors today is the early sterilization of the dog. Moreover, among veterinarians there is a strong belief that sterilization before the first estrus reduces the risk of disease by 15%, and before the second estrus - by 25%. If the removal of the ovaries and uterus occurs later, this does not affect the likelihood of the disease.

Another important preventive measure that owners should not forget is regular palpation of the animal's mammary glands. Finding a tumor at an early stage can greatly facilitate the process of subsequent treatment and increase the chances of a full recovery.

The third important tip is regular preventive examinations at the veterinarian, including ultrasound examination and clinical blood and urine tests.

Having found a treacherous nodule in the tissues of the mammary gland in your four-legged friend, do not despair. Timely treatment and further attention to the health of the pet will help you not only prolong his life for many years, but also make his existence bright, rich and full.

False pregnancy in dogs or “false pregnancy” is a failure of the reproductive system in bitches, expressed in the fact that psychophysiologically the dog behaves and feels as if she were pregnant, while in fact she is not pregnant. This is a very common occurrence, more common in nulliparous dogs, bitches that have only been bred once, and dogs that have not bred as a result of mating. A dog during a false pregnancy needs the attention and care of the owners, and in some cases, qualified help from specialists.

Causes of False Pregnancy in Dogs

Most experts believe that the source of this condition in dogs is hormonal changes during the sexual cycle. As you know, there are several phases of the estrous cycle, namely: 1) proestrus: the period preceding estrus, during which the formation of eggs ready for fertilization occurs; 2) estrus: coincides with estrus, optimal time for mating 3) metaestrus: the period after the end of the “hunt”, during which the regression of the so-called “corpus luteum” occurs if fertilization has not occurred 4) anestrus: the state of “rest”, when the bitch's sexual behavior is not manifested or manifested weakly.

False pregnancy occurs because the regression of the corpus luteum promotes the production of progesterone, the hormone of pregnancy. Unlike other animals, in dogs, the corpus luteum does not dissolve, but functions for about 60 days, regardless of whether the bitch is pregnant or not. Thus, the brain and internal organs of the dog, as it were, receive a “hormonal signal” that it is necessary to prepare for the appearance of puppies. When the time comes when the dog would have to give birth, the release of prolactin, a hormone that contributes to the production of milk in the dog, begins.

Symptoms of a false pregnancy

Signs of false pregnancy in dogs can be divided into physiological and behavioral. During the “spoon”, the dog’s stomach visually enlarges and sags, the mammary glands swell and, as it were, “roughen”. The bitch becomes restless, her appetite increases. She begins to prepare for the appearance of "puppies" - she builds a "nest", hides in secluded places in the apartment, sometimes on the contrary, she becomes overly sociable and even intrusive with the owners. After the “delivery” period passes, the dog begins to babysit the toys, mistaking them for puppies. She can lie with them in the “nest” for a long time, reacting extremely aggressively to attempts to drive her out of there or take away toys. Shortly before or immediately after the “delivery” (about 2 months from the middle of the last estrus), the dog begins lactation (i.e., milk appears).

False pregnancy in a dog: prevention and treatment

Many doctors advise spaying dogs to solve this problem, and in many cases this really helps (provided that the dog's reproductive organs are removed, and not just "tubes tied").

If for some reason you do not want to sterilize your dog, you can try to eliminate or minimize the manifestations of false pregnancy after estrus by adjusting the dog's walking regimen and diet. Starting from the 9th day after the end of estrus, it is necessary to reduce portions of both food and water, excluding meat and dairy products, and at the same time increase physical activity for the dog. As practice shows, this noticeably "softens" or even helps to avoid the occurrence of false pregnancy syndrome.

If a false pregnancy in a dog is severe, the above symptoms are combined with apathy, you should seek professional veterinary help. Hormone therapy is often used to treat false pregnancies, but hormonal medications tend to have a number of side effects and can be dangerous. An alternative may be treatment based on homeopathic remedies, however, it is necessary to select individual remedies for each dog and be sure to consult with specialists before using them.

What is the danger of false puppyhood for a dog

Due to the fact that milk accumulates in the mammary glands of the bitch during the “spoon”, mastitis may develop. Also, due to the accumulation of excess mucus in the uterus, a false pregnancy often leads to pyometra (purulent inflammation of the uterus). This disease is characterized by high mortality rates and is treated only by the removal of the reproductive organs, i.e. surgical sterilization (castration) of the dog.

What can not be done by the owner with a false pregnancy in a dog

1. Never punish the dog: her behavior during a false pregnancy is determined by hormones and she cannot control it.
2. If the dog has milk, it should not be expressed. Do not let the dog suck milk (you can wear a veterinary blanket).
3. Contrary to popular belief, one-time mating and childbirth will not save the dog from the occurrence of a false pregnancy in the future, and in some cases will only worsen its course.

In the article I will write about such a common cancer in dogs as a tumor of the mammary gland. Tumors can be benign or malignant (cancer). Bitches are more often affected, but sometimes such tumors are also found in males.

I will list the forms of breast cancer, dwell in detail on the symptoms and methods of diagnosis. Let me give you a life expectancy. I will analyze treatment regimens and methods of palliative care for terminally ill animals. I will tell you how to prevent this serious disease.

Causes of breast tumors in dogs

Over the clarification of the causes of oncological diseases, the whole world science has been struggling for many decades. Mankind has advanced enough in this direction. The causes of mammary tumors in dogs can be divided into two large groups: internal and external.

Internal factors

• Hormonal disorders.
• Frequent false pregnancies.
• Inflammatory diseases of the mammary glands.
• Cystic lesions of the ovaries.
• Elderly (over 9 years old).
• hereditary predisposition.

Nature has programmed living beings for the regular birth of offspring.

In the body of a dog there are cyclical processes associated with the preparation for pregnancy and childbirth. At the same time, all kinds of hormones are intensively produced. If pregnancy does not occur, hormonal metabolism is disturbed and various pathologies occur. The most common - the so-called false puppies - a special condition that mimics pregnancy, childbirth and feeding puppies.

About two months after estrus, the dog becomes restless, behaving as if he is going to give birth and feed puppies. She arranges a rookery in a secluded corner, sometimes she begins to nurse some kind of toy - she licks, hugs, gently whines.

At the same time, the mammary glands swell, may swell, and discharge from the nipples resembling colostrum.

Swollen and wet soft nipples itch and pester the dog, she licks and even bites them to relieve itching.

This leads to microtrauma, infection and the formation of foci of inflammation and seals.

External causes

Unfavorable environmental situation

The environmental picture in big cities is depressing. Exhaust gases, reagents, industrial emissions, improper disposal of devices containing mercury and other toxic components - all this has a detrimental effect on both people and animals. Dogs constantly sniff the ground, therefore, they come into very close contact with harmful substances and are at risk.

Types of tumors

Neoplasms are malignant and benign. Benign ones are localized in one place, grow and develop slowly, do not metastasize and do not threaten the life of the dog. Malignant ones spread throughout the body, forming more and more tumors - metastases - in other organs, which is extremely dangerous.

Under certain conditions, a small benign tumor can be reclassified as a malignant one.

Symptoms of the disease

Each form of cancer has its own set of symptoms.

At the same time, diagnosis is complicated by the insidiousness of some forms of cancer, which masquerade as other, completely harmless diseases.

Major forms of cancer

• nodal
• diffuse

The nodular form of breast cancer is manifested by the appearance of dense nodules in one or more mammary glands. Nodules can be single or form a group.

To the touch, the neoplasm in the initial stages resembles a pebble stuck under the skin: it rolls freely and has clear boundaries.

The skin over such a tumor remains healthy for a long time, the tumor does not hurt and does not bother the pet. The general condition is good.

In the later stages, the tumor fuses with the skin and surrounding tissues, redness and ulcers appear. The general condition worsens, the process of metastasis captures other organs. Lymph and blood are involved in the transfer of cancer cells. Usually, the lymphatic system is first affected (lymph nodes increase and become inflamed). Then metastases appear in the lungs. The liver, heart, adrenal glands, and bone structure may also be affected.

The diffuse form of cancer is characterized by blurring of the boundaries of the affected area. The tumor "embeds" in the tissues, affecting the entire gland at once. It is voluminous, painful, hot to the touch, soldered to the skin. Symptoms resemble an abscess - a large size of the tumor, discharge mixed with pus and blood, fever. The skin becomes inflamed, thickened and thickened.

The process of metastasis gives additional symptoms. Affected lymph nodes provoke swelling of the pet's paws. With metastases in the lungs, cough and shortness of breath are observed.

Bone metastases cause lameness.

Diagnostics

Any neoplasms in the mammary glands should alarm the owner and move him to an immediate visit to the veterinary oncologist. The specialist will have to correctly diagnose, namely:

1. exclude diseases with a similar clinical picture;
2. determine the type of tumor - benign or malignant;
3. if the presence of cancer cells is confirmed, find out the form of cancer, stage and individual characteristics of the course of the disease.

Diagnosis includes a set of methods: visual examination, palpation of the tumor and lymph nodes, biopsy (separation of a piece of tumor tissue for cellular analysis), blood tests, lung x-rays (for the presence of metastases). In some cases, ultrasound, MRI and computed tomography are prescribed.

Treatment and removal of a dangerous tumor

Having confirmed the diagnosis, the doctor develops a treatment regimen. The form of cancer, stage, condition of the lymph nodes, as well as the individual characteristics of the body are taken into account. Surgical removal of the tumor with complete excision of the mammary ridge and adjacent lymph nodes remains the predominant method of treatment.

Surgical intervention works more effectively in the nodular form of cancer.

Chemotherapy is prescribed in inoperable cases. For example, with a diffuse form, which does not allow complete removal of the affected areas.

In addition, anticancer drugs that are available in veterinary pharmacies, if used incorrectly instead of treatment, can backfire and provoke accelerated tumor growth and exacerbation of the disease.

Prevention and life expectancy

Currently, the most effective way to prevent breast cancer is early spaying - before the first estrus. This method reduces the likelihood of disease to an insignificant figure of 0.05%. I have already mentioned the importance of timely detection of signs of illness. Examine the animal regularly, feel its mammary glands, and if even the tiniest seal is found, immediately grab your pet in an armful and run to the veterinary clinic.

Palliative care

If you managed to catch the disease in the initial stage, then the animal can almost completely recover and live a normal life until old age. But, unfortunately, this is not always the case. In the advanced stages of breast cancer, the animal cannot be cured. And here the owner has to make a difficult choice: let the animal live out the time allotted to him by the disease until a natural death, or resort to euthanasia (euthanasia) so as not to prolong the suffering of the animal. I won't recommend anything to anyone here, it's a very personal choice.

When an animal suffers from severe pain, suffocates and cannot move due to bone metastases, it is better to let it go.

But if the pet shows interest in life, eats, communicates with her beloved owner, walks, it may be worth trying to make the rest of her life easier.

The attending physician will provide competent pain relief, prescribe an antibiotic to relieve inflammation in the tissues of the tumors.

Skin ulcers are treated with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine. Diuretics (for example, veroshpiron or furasemide) will help from edema. These measures will support the dog and allow her to stay with her most beloved and dearest person for a little longer.

This phenomenon is quite common, and most of all it is typical for females that have not yet given birth and for those who were knitted once, and as a result there was no pregnancy. False pregnancy is manifested in dogs in that the animal behaves as if it is expecting offspring, although in reality it is not. In such an anxious state, the pet needs especially careful care and affection of the owner, and sometimes professional help.

Does your dog have swollen mammary glands? What is the reason? We'll figure out.

Some time after the estrus, the pet begins to have all the signs of pregnancy, although in fact this is not even in sight.

False pregnancy cannot be considered a disease, anomaly, or some kind of pathology. It is associated with hormonal imbalance after estrus. The fact is that in the dog's body, even if fertilization did not take place, the same hormones are produced as in pregnant individuals: prolactin increases, and progesterone decreases, which causes all the symptoms of a false pregnancy.

Signs of this condition in females are divided into psychological and physiological. The animal's tummy grows and sags, the mammary glands increase, the animal begins to build a "nest" of rags, pieces of paper, etc., most often in a quiet corner. The female at this time demonstrates maternal affection for various things: toys, shoes, etc. She becomes restless, nervous, inactive, non-playful, fussy. The animal begins to strongly fawn on the owner, becomes obsessive and too sociable. In relation to other females shows open aggression. The pet can sit in its “nest” with toys (which act as puppies) for a long time and respond very ferociously to any attempts to lure it out and take away the “children”.

The estrous cycle of dogs has several phases: proestrus - before estrus (eggs are just being formed), estrus - coincides with estrus, metaestrus - the end of the sexual "hunt" (there is a regression of the "yellow body" if pregnancy has not happened) and anestrus - sexual behavior is absent or shows little.

To do this, the walk mode and the pet's menu are adjusted from the ninth day until the end of estrus. The volume of drinking and eating is reduced, dairy and meat products are excluded and physical activity is increased. These measures greatly reduce or help avoid false pregnancies.

It is precisely because of the “yellow body”, or rather its regression, that false pregnancy occurs: the production of the pregnancy hormone, progesterone, begins. Unlike other animals, the "corpus luteum" does not disappear in dogs for another 60 days, despite the absence of an actual pregnancy. The body of the female receives a "warning" that it is necessary to prepare for the birth of the cubs. By the time the female is supposed to give birth, the body is rapidly producing prolactin, which leads to the appearance of milk. So it turns out that the mammary glands in a dog swell after estrus. There may even be milk. Plus, a change in eating behavior can occur: the animal begins to consume more food and drink, or vice versa refuses to eat.

In situations where false pregnancy is difficult, then apathy is added to the above symptoms. In such a situation, professional help is indispensable. Hormone therapy is often used for treatment, but this is fraught with a large number of side effects, which is a great danger to the animal!

To prevent this from happening to a pet at all, many veterinarians advise spaying dogs, usually this really helps (naturally, in the case when the “pipes” are not “bandaged” for the pet, but the reproductive organ is removed).

If the owner does not want to sterilize the animal, then you can try to reduce the manifestations of false pregnancy.

Do not be mistaken and believe that a one-time mating and childbirth will save the pet from the occurrence of false pregnancy in the future. In most cases, this only exacerbates the problem. No need to pull the rubber and torment the animal, it is better to make a decision right away.

The best alternative in such cases is the use of homeopathic remedies, but for each pet, special remedies are selected and such treatment will certainly be discussed with the veterinarian.

Another nuisance that can arise due to a false pregnancy is inflammation of the mammary glands. In dogs, milk accumulates in them at this time, which causes mastitis. In addition, due to the accumulation of excess mucus, pyometra (purulent inflammation) may develop in the uterus. This disease is very dangerous, the mortality rate in these cases is very high and is treated only by sterilization. For this reason, you need to immediately decide for yourself whether it is planned to breed puppies in the future or not, if not, then it is easier to immediately castrate the animal in order to avoid possible health problems!

If a dog has a false pregnancy, in no case should she be punished or scolded for odd behavior, because she is not responsible for herself, it's all about hormones. You should be more forgiving and patient.

You should know that if the animal has milk during this period, it is not expressed. The dog itself should also not be allowed to suck it (in these cases they put on a veterinary blanket), because the mammary glands in dogs in such cases easily become inflamed. In such a situation, the pet is always carefully monitored, because it is easier to prevent complications than to treat them. Moreover, they do not joke with mastitis in females.

In such a difficult period for the animal, professional consultations with a veterinarian are necessary.

Such a condition in an animal cannot be left to chance, it is fraught with dangerous diseases of the mammary glands and reproductive organs. It is better not to tempt fate and sterilize your pet, especially if mating and the birth of puppies, in principle, are not planned.

About 50% of bitches develop cancer. Usually, uncontrolled cell growth is observed in the mammary glands. If the disease is detected at an early stage, then euthanasia of the pet can be avoided.

General information about breast cancer

The mammary glands are made up of:

1. Inguinal glands.
2. Abdominal glands.
3. Breast glands.

Oncological tumors are understood as malignant neoplasms, which consist of mutated cells. At the same time, their uncontrolled division is observed.

Where do tumors appear?

• Tumors are localized in 4-5 glands.
• In 30-38% of cases, several oncological neoplasms are detected.
• Almost always, the disease affects females.
• Very rarely, in 1% of all cases, AMF is diagnosed in males.

The disease mainly occurs in females.

Risk group

The German Shepherd dog breed is at risk.

The disease is usually diagnosed in:

• Maltese lapdogs;
• German Shepherds;
• setters;
• springers;
• English Cocker Spaniels;
• toy poodles;
• Yorkshire Terriers;
• toy poodles.

Yorkshire terriers are often diagnosed with the disease.

Medical statistics state that the disease usually occurs in older animals.

Rising risk

Significantly increase the risk of developing cancer against the background of:

• the presence in the dog's diet of food with mold;
• prolonged infection of the dog with worms; "bad" heredity.

Moldy food can cause disease.

Major Causes of Breast Cancer in Dogs

The root cause of the development of the oncological process can be:

1. The development of thyroid disease.
2. Metabolism failures.
3. Absence of pregnancy and childbirth.
4. Irregular leaks.
5. Disturbed hormonal background.
6. Weak immunity.

Dogs that have not given birth have a higher risk of getting sick.

Sometimes a benign process is transformed into a malignant one. Therefore, when a benign tumor is detected, all measures must be taken to prevent oncology. This is the only way to save your pet.

Clinical picture and symptoms

• The tumor can be presented as either a single solid neoplasm, or in the form of several seals .
• The owner can discover them on his own. To do this, he will need carefully palpate the mammary glands of the pet .
• A newly grown tumor resembles a hard pea , which almost does not move in the subcutaneous layers.
• Sometimes AMF grows rapidly in size and in 3-4 weeks increases by 2 times.
• Distinguish a benign neoplasm from a malignant one can only veterinarian . A non-cancerous tumor has a smooth surface. She has a small size. It grows quite slowly.

With the help of palpation, the tumor can be detected independently.

malignant tumor

The following are typical of a malignant neoplasm:

1. Rapid growth.
2. Wrong shape.
3. Stability on the surface of the skin and other tissues.
4. The appearance of bleeding.
5. Changing the shade of fabrics.
6. The appearance of ulcers.
7. Swelling of the paws.

Puffiness of the paws appears with a malignant tumor.

The last sign appears only when the lymph nodes are affected.

The insidiousness of the pathology lies in the fact that all these signs are present only when it progresses to the later stages.

early stages

In the early stages, cancer develops without symptoms. Without regular probing of the mammary glands, a dangerous disease can be detected only when it develops to a critical stage.

Early stage cancer is difficult to detect.

Special cases in dogs

1. Sometimes nonspecific neoplasms are diagnosed. For some time they may not develop. Then their growth is characterized by amazing speed. But this is seen quite infrequently.
2. Some animals are diagnosed with a diffuse type of oncological pathology. It is characterized by the appearance of painful seals that do not have clear boundaries.
3. In this case, tissue hyperemia is observed. Body temperature may increase.

Oncological pathology is accompanied by elevated temperature.

Features of diagnostics

To clarify the diagnosis, the veterinarian prescribes the passage:

1. Radiography.
2. biopsies.
3. Cytology.
4. Aspiration.

An x-ray is prescribed to make a diagnosis.

• With help x-ray studies metastases are found in the lungs and lymph nodes. Ultrasound reveals neoplasms in the abdominal cavity.
• Breast discharge sent for microscopic analysis.
• Aspiration and cytology reveal inflammation . And also these diagnostic methods help to determine the type of tumor and how sensitive it is to the effects of medications.
• The most effective and informative diagnostic method is histological analysis. . It allows you to establish the nature of the detected tumor.
• The stage of pathology is determined by the size of the neoplasm . But the absence or presence of metastasis is also taken into account. In addition, the specialist undertakes to assess the degree of damage to nearby organs.
• If recommended paw x-ray . This will help establish the presence of bone metastases.

The symptomatology of diffuse cancer resembles the signs of mastopathy.

In order to clarify the diagnosis, differential diagnosis is prescribed.

What to do and how to treat!

If the initial diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor resorts to a mastectomy.

The mammary gland is then removed. Often, regional lymph nodes are removed at the same time.

Treatment is carried out in the form of surgery.

Operation possible only in the absence chronic pathologies. Otherwise, the four-legged client is considered inoperable.

Chemotherapy

If the disease has developed to stage 3-4, then the dog is prescribed a chemotherapy course. Treatment should be systematic. This allows you to suppress the growth and division of cancer cells.

Chemotherapy is prescribed if the disease has begun to progress.

In some cases it is shown spaying . But there is no evidence of the effectiveness of this method yet.

Medical therapy

If distant metastases are detected, the doctor prescribes palliative therapy. This can significantly improve the quality of life of the pet. For the relief of painful symptoms are used:

• painkillers;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• antibacterial drugs.

Painkillers are used to relieve the symptoms of the disease.

hormone therapy

Some veterinarians practice the use of Tamoxifen. But the effectiveness of hormone therapy has not yet been thoroughly studied. Detailed studies have not been conducted. The final conclusion will be made after additional research.

In some cases, veterinarians recommend Tamoxifen for treatment.

conclusions

The prognosis after treatment depends on many factors. First of all, the stage of the pathological process is taken into account. It also takes into account the type of neoplasm and the general condition of the dog.

When the pathology progresses to the last degree, the prognosis is disappointing. In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend euthanasia.

The best preventive measure is early sterilization. It is desirable to carry it out before the first estrus. So the risk of developing cancer decreases to 0.05-0.06% .

Prevention of the disease is early sterilization.

Video about breast cancer in dogs