Current Surgical Options for Mammary Tumor Removal in Dogs

Mastectomy remains the primary treatment of mammary tumors in dogs. The type of mastectomy seems not to have any effect on survival. Surgery aims at complete tumor removal with clean histological margins by using the simplest technique. Unilateral mastectomy is currently recommended for the prevention of second tumor development associated with a regional mastectomy. Dead space elimination and management of tension in the incision line are the most important issues concerning mastectomy closure and may be accomplished using different techniques. Ovariohysterectomy seems to affect survival if performed in less than 2 years time or at the same time with mastectomy. Analgesia is an important part of the postoperative management of patients undergoing mastectomy. Most common complications associated with mastectomy include seroma/hematoma, wound infection, dehiscence of the incision, hindlimb edema, and tumor recurrence.