Mammary Tumor in Dogs

MAMMARY TUMOR

Mammary tumor is one of the most commonly occurring tumor in dogs. The dog is by far the most frequently affected domestic species. Almost 50 % of mammary tumors are malignant in dogs. Dogs get this tumor far more common than women(prevalence of almost 3 times that in women).

Mammary tumor is also seen in male dogs, although extremely rare. These tumors are commonly observed in intact bitches. Spaying before the first heat reduces the risk of mammary neoplasia to 0.5% of the risk in intact bitches.  However, dogs spayed after the attainment of maturity have been considered to have the same risk as that of an intact female.

A tumor can be suspected if you feel or find any lump on its mammary glands. The rate of growth of the mass usually helps in determining the prognosis. 

Your vet might ask for 3 radiographs ( X rays) to be taken. Two lateral views- left and right (animal lying on its sides) and a ventro-dorsal view( with the animal lying on its back). Additionally, a fine needle aspirate of the mass may also be taken to differentiate between inflammatory and neoplastic lesions; this, however is not conclusive. Definitive diagnosis is made by histopathological examination of the mass and is important to know the type of tumor and prognosis.

Treatment is usually through surgical removal of the mass. Depending on the type of tumor, lymph node involvement, glands involved etc, your surgeon decides the surgery procedure. Removal of the tumor(lump) alone, removing only the affected mammary glands, removing all the glands with its associated lymphatic drainage etc are the available options. Recent research suggests advantages of simper procedures over the more complex ones in terms of survivability and prognosis. 

Chemotherapy has not yet proved beneficial in treating mammary tumors, neither is radiation therapy.

Prognosis of dogs with mammary gland tumors varies. Usually metastasis takes place to the lungs and they have bad prognosis. Most mammary tumors that are fatal cause death within one year. 

Note the lump on the gland

 This 7 year old, non descript, intact female dog was presented to the Humane Animal Society Clinics for evaluation of a lump in her mammary gland. A fine needle aspirate was obtained and results suggested it to be neoplastic. The tumor invaded two glands, so it was decided to surgically excise both the affected mammary glands.

After preparation of the surgical site

2 weeks after surgical excision of the affected glands

Prognathism

PROGNATHISM

Prognathism is a condition in which the lower jaw ( mandible) is longer than the upper jaw, resulting in a mismatched bite and difficulty in taking food.

In puppies, the upper lip may droop over the top jaw making it easy to identify. The teeth may usually be misaligned and project at abnormal angles. In brachycephalic breeds (eg- pugs, boxers), this may be a normal breed characteristic. However, in other breeds, this is an inherited defect and the dogs are not advised for breeding.

This labrador puppy was brought to the Humane Animal Society Clinics for evaluation of reduced food intake. The condition was diagnosed as prognathism. Since it is an inherited condition, there is little that can be done. Avoid breeding such dogs and creating yet another population of puppies with inherited defects.

Possible treatment for prognathism is limited to severe cases where orthodontic manipulations and extraction of teeth may be required. This is done to limit, at least to some extent the difficulty in chewing . 

Note the short upper jaw and elongated lower jaw (mandible)

            Dangers of self medicating pets

This cross bred dog was brought to the Humane Animal Society Clinic for evaluation of alopecia ( hair loss) and obesity.

Owners complained that she has been putting on weight despite diet restrictions and developed hardened skin areas in the caudal abdomen despite some 'medications' that they gave.

 On inquiring further, they revealed that this dog was on steroids for the last one year!!!. The owner had some skin problems for which her doctor prescribed steroids and when she saw her dog 'itching a lot' she started a course of steroids for the dog.

 "The itching subsided after I started to give her steroids, but kept on coming back whenever I stopped it, so I am just continuing it. Would that be a problem doc??"

Examination of this dog revealed that it was obviously suffering from side effect of indiscriminate long term use of steroids. It developed hard plaques on the skin, medically termed as calcinosis cutis, which form as a result of calcium deposition in the skin. It developed obesity due to increased hunger caused by excessive steroids. It had a poor and thin skin coat. All because of indiscriminate steroid use.

Apart from the problems which this dog was suffering from, long term effects of steroids may cause:

• Latent urinary tract infections. The patient will not have the usual symptoms of urinary infection as the steroid will suppress the inflammation associated with the infection. Urine culture may be the only way to detect the infection. 
• Development of thin skin and blackheads
• Poor wound healing or poor growth of  hair 
• Development of obesity and muscle weakness
• Due to weakening of immune system, predisposition to infection of any kind,
• Development of Cushing's syndrome.

             Think twice before you self medicate your pet

Chocolates and Dogs

                                             Chocolates and Dogs

Feeding chocolate to your dogs may result in potentially dangerous heart and brain affections. Chocolate poisoning incidence is comparatively very high in western part of the world, mainly attributed to indiscriminate eating habits and readily available sources of chocolate.

Chocolate is obtained from the roasted seeds of the plant Theobroma cacao . The toxic principles in chocolate are the methylxanthines theobromine and caffeine. Both theobromine and caffeine contribute to the syndrome of chocolate poisoning, though the concentration of theobromine in chocolate is almost 5-8 times less than that of caffeine. The exact amount of the toxic factors in chocolate varies due to natural variation and variation within chocolate products and their preparation. However, in general, the total methylxanthine concentration of dry cocoa powder is 28.5 mg/g, unsweetened chocolate is 16 mg/g, semisweet chocolate and sweet dark chocolate is  5.4-5.7 mg/g, and milk chocolate is 2.3 mg/g. White chocolate is  not a very significant source of methylxanthines.

The toxic dose or LD50 of methylxanthine is 100-200mg/kg, it should also be noted that toxicity vary between dogs based on individual sensitivities. These compounds undergo changes in the liver of the animal and are excreted in the urine.

Clinical manifestations of chocolate poisoning occur 6-10 hours after ingestion of chocolate. Again, individual sensitivity may cause symptoms to appear as early as 3-4 hours after and 20 hours after ingestion. Some dogs may not show any symptoms at all. Initial presenting signs involve vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, gas fill up in the stomach, abdominal pain and restlessness. The high fat content of chocolate products is yet another concern and it may predispose the dogs to pancreatic disorders.

Chocolate toxicosis is a severe and serious life threatening situation, which, if left unattended may result in even death. If you suspect your dog of chocolate poisoning, rush it to your vet !!

Canine Distemper

What is Canine Distemper ?
 Canine Distemper is a highly contagious, viral systemic disease of dogs which is present almost everywhere in the world.

What causes Canine Distemper ?
Canine distemper is caused by a virus (paramyxovirus) closely related to measles.

Hyperkeratinization of Foot pads

How do I know if my dog has Canine Distemper ?

If your dog is not vaccinated against canine distemper and live in a high risk area, you should be on the watchout.
Early symptoms include lack of interest to food, diarrhea, watery or purulent discharge from nose and eye, weakness etc.
There will be a rise in temperature initially, usually 3-6 days after infection accompanied by anorexia (lack of appetite). The fever subsides for several days before a second fever occurs, which lasts <1 wk. This may be accompanied by serous nasal discharge, mucopurulent ocular discharge and anorexia. Gastro-intestinal ( diarrhea, vomiting) and respiratory signs may follow.




Are there any specific symptoms for this disease ?

It is very difficult to point out a specific symptom, but in the late stage of the disease Hyperkeratosis of the footpads (“hardpad” disease) and epithelium of the nasal plane may be seen. Puppies suffering from the disease may show appereance of pustules in the ventral abdomen..Neurologic signs are frequently seen in those dogs with hyperkeratosis. Nervous signs may include the following: 

Pustules in the Ventral Abdomen

1) Localized involuntary twitching of a muscle or group of muscles such as in the leg or face;
 2) Paralysis, often most noticeable in the hindlimbs which may be followed by paralysis of all the four limbs 3) Convulsions characterized by salivation and often chewing movements of the jaw (“chewing-gum fits”). The seizures become more frequent and severe, and the dog may fall on its side and paddle its legs; involuntary urination and defecation may occur. A dog may exhibit any or all of these neurologic signs in addition to others in the course of the disease. Infection may be mild and inapparent or lead to severe disease manifest by most of the above signs. The course of the systemic disease may be as short as 10 days, but the onset of neurologic signs may be delayed for several weeks or months.

Is there any treatment available for this disease?

 Treatment is generally directed to prevent secondary bacterial infection and further worsening the condition. Your vet may put your dog on fluids, antibiotics,dietary supplements, antipyretics, analgesics and anti-convulsants.

How does Canine Distemper spread ?

The main route of infection is via aerosol droplet secretions from infected animals. Some infected dogs may shed virus for several months.

A Pup with Canine Distemper- Note the discharge from the nose
 and  hyperkeratinization of the nose

How can I prevent Canine Distemper ?

Canine Distemper is preventable.The enveloped virus is sensitive to lipid solvents and most disinfectants and is relatively unstable outside the host.  Follow timely vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian. Usually, a pup receives its first shot at 6 weeks of age.

                                                                                                                     

Juvenile Cellulitis

        Juvenile Cellulitis Or Puppy Strangles

This 4 month old Labrador Retriever puppy was presented to the Humane Animal Society Clinic with a history of sudden onset of a swelling in its throat region. The owners initially thought it would be some allergic reaction to some insect bite and gave him doses of antihistaminics and steroids. Its owners waited for over a week, but didn't show any change in condition. Additionally, lesions also developed around its mouth and eyes.

The diagnostic plan included a skin scraping examination to rule out possible mange. A cytologic examination of the affected lymph node was also performed.
This was diagnosed as a case of Juvenile Cellulitis, an uncommon autoimmune disease of pups. Currently this pup is on steroids and antibiotics.

Juvenile cellulitis also known as Puppy strangles or Juvenile Pyoderma is a relatively rare condition affecting puppies. The exact cause of this disease is not known , but response to therapy with steroids suggest it to be auto-immune in nature.

Symptoms of this disease starts as dermatitis of mostly the ear, face, region around the eyes with enlargement of lymph nodes, lameness, lethargy and depression. Papules and pustules may develop which may rupture and a secondary bacterial infection may set in making it worse. Puppies may be responsive and alert with no or less change in their food and water intake.

Since it is a rare condition, it might be occasionally misdiagnosed as staphylococcal pyoderma. Cytologic examination is required for a confirmatory diagnosis.

Treatment plan include use of steroids for supressing the immune system and antibiotics for controlling secondary bacterial infections. When the condition has been resolved, steroids have to be tapered off slowly. A sudden withdrawal of steroid medications may lead to serious consequences.  The prognosis of this diseaese is usually favorable.

Pup in the picture after one week of treatment: