By Chloe Mackintosh PGCert, BSC (Hons), RVN. Chloe completed a Level 3 diploma at the College of Animal Welfare in Edinburgh before graduating from Edinburgh Napier University in 2021 with a 2:1 in a veterinary nursing top-up degree. During training and since qualifying she has worked for multiple charitable organisations and is passionate about the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary
nursing in animal shelters and charities. Most recently, Chloe has been working at Romford PDSA Pet Hospital and is now embarking on a BVetMed at the Royal Veterinary College.

ABSTRACT Mammary neoplasia is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in feline veterinary medicine, accounting for 17% of tumours found in companion domestic cats (Felis catus). Diagnosis is based on a physical change to the mammary glands, in conjunction with breeding history, neuter status, age of spaying, and additional clinical signs that may suggest metastasis. A study found that neutering female cats before 1 year of age reduced the risk of mammary cancer by 86%, and neutering before 6 months of age reduced the risk by 91%. Up to 90% of feline mammary tumours are potentially malignant and therefore surgery is considered necessary in most cases. This article discusses in more detail the aetiology and pathogenesis, clinical signs, prevention and management of the disease, including surgery and chemotherapy.
Keywords feline, cat, mammary, neoplasia, tumour, FMT, breast, cancer, spay, treatment

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56496/QVEZ5995

To cite this article: Mackintosh, C. (2024) Management of mammary neoplasia in domestic cats. Veterinary Nursing Journal 39 (5) pp32-37

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