Purpose

Tumours of mammary gland are the second most common tumours of female dogs. In this study, the usefulness of different modern diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic tools was evaluated.

Methods and Materials

One hundred fifteen clinical cases of canine mammary neoplasms (CMN) were recorded. Different modern diagnostic and treatment protocols - namely monochemotherapy, combination chemotherapy, chemotherapy with immunotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy, anti-angiogenic/estrogenic therapy, and surgical excisions - were performed as per the merit of the case and owner's request. The effectiveness of therapy was based on clinical, biochemical, radiological, apoptotic index, and owner's observations.

Results

Apart from clinical history, haemato-biochemical, radiological, histopathological, aspiration biopsy, and special stain were also used in confirmation of tumour diagnosis. Among them, AgNOR stain was found as a very useful technique. In CMN cases, MMP-7 enzyme values significantly increased. Radiography helped to provide information pertaining to the extent of organ involvement and presence of metastasis in the lungs. In this study, a total of 37 metastasis cases were recorded. Canine mammary tumour also was recorded in 5 male animals. Flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis in tumour regression during chemotherapy was performed, and percentage of apoptotic cells increased at succeeding weeks of chemotherapy. Success rate of different chemotherapies varied; however, surgical excision followed by chemotherapy was found more effective.

Conclusion

CMN responded well to the combination of doxorubicin with immunomodulator drugs and methotrexate/tamoxifen with COX-2 inhibitor. Nanosomal paclitaxel was found more effective in inducing apoptosis in CMN cases. Along with apoptotic index, clinical responses are also to be considered in prognosis of canine mammary tumours.