Mammary cancer — akin to breast cancer in people — is one of the most common cancers affecting female dogs and cats. The outcome depends on early detection and timely intervention — both of which can rely on a pet parent’s keen powers of observation.

Although a minority of mammary tumors are benign, up to 90 percent are cancerous and will spread without treatment. Spaying a pet before their first heat cycle dramatically reduces their risk of developing mammary cancer later on.

The most common signs of mammary tumors are small bumps or larger masses that can be seen or felt on a pet’s underside.  There might also be sores or discharge involving the mammary glands. Any abnormalities warrant a timely trip to the veterinarian for further evaluation.