Feel your female dog to detect mammary tumours

If you have a female dog, you need to be aware that she is at some risk of developing a mammary tumour, especially when she is getting on in years. This is because mammary tumours often appear late in life in female dogs that are unneutered or in those that were neutered late in life.

What are mammary tumours?

Unfortunately, some of the mammary tumours found in female dogs are malignant. However, as with other tumours that can occur in and on the dog's body, it is not possible to determine whether a mammary tumour is benign or malignant simply by looking. The lump needs to be analysed to determine whether it is benign or malignant.

Often the dog does not show any other symptoms of mammary tumours, but the lumps need to be detected by her mother or master. However, common symptoms of cancer in dogs are fatigue and emaciation.

If a mammary tumour is detected at an early stage, it means less surgical intervention for the dog during the operation, but also less risk of the tumour having spread. It is therefore important that you get into the habit of feeling your dog's udder regularly.

Here's how to examine your female dogs mammary glands

• Feel the chest all the way from the groin to the armpit - on both sides. You need to feel each side thoroughly.

• If you feel any change - it could be in the form of a swelling, lump or roughness - you may have found something that needs to be checked by a vet. Also look out for redness or sores.

If you suspect your dog has a mammary tumour, you need to make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible to have her checked.