Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th April 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Risk factors for mammary tumours in female cats
The average age of a female cat diagnosed with a mammary tumour was 12 years.
New study reveals older cats and purebreds at increased risk.

A new study on the epidemiology and risk factors for mammary tumours in female cats has found that age is a significant factor associated with diagnosis. Researchers found that the overall risk of mammary tumours in cats is low, but purebreds are at an increased risk, and contrary to previous work, neuter status was not associated with diagnosis.

For the study, researchers looked at electronic patient records of 259,869 female cats that attended 886 primary-care Vet Compass participating UK veterinary practices in 2016. The majority of previous studies have used data from referral centres.

The study found that the occurrence of mammary tumours in female cats was low; found in 0.1 per cent of the 259,869 patient records analysed for the study. The average age of a female cat diagnosed with a mammary tumour was 12 years, and purebred cats were 1.5 times more likely than the control group to be diagnosed with a tumour.

Researchers found that cats generally presented with multiple clinical signs, the most common being ulceration in the mammary region, weight loss, and firm mammary masses. Sixty-five per cent of cases did not undergo surgery, and the average survival time after diagnosis was 18.7 months.
 
The study authors hope that the results can help veterinary surgeons to identify cats at greater risk of mammary tumour, and advise on survival after diagnosis.

Dave Brodbelt, Professor of evidence-based veterinary medicine at the RVC said: “It is exciting to see this work coming out and updating our understanding of how mammary tumours present in cats in primary care veterinary practice. Though a relatively rare diagnosis, the study supports the finding that this is generally a condition of older cats and provides a useful update on the likely presentation and survival for cats in practice.”

The Royal Veterinary College study has been published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.