Читать книгу Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff - Группа авторов - Страница 160

Mammary tumors in the cat are more likely to be malignant than benign by a ratio of 9:1 (Hayes et al. 1981; Morris 2013). Siamese queens are more likely to develop mammary tumors than other breeds (Hayes et al. 1981). In one study, queens spayed prior to six months of age had a 91% reduction in risk of mammary adenocarcinoma than intact cats (Overley et al. 2005). Mammary gland tumors do not change the behavior of the cat, unless they are large enough to alter the cat’s gait, balance, or ability to rest. Excessive grooming with resultant alopecia of the area may be noted if the tumor grows rapidly, has ruptured, is draining, or is causing discomfort.

The lungs, iliac lymph nodes, and abdominal organs are the most common areas of metastasis (Morris 2013). A cat with a mammary tumor may have difficulty breathing while at rest, have an abnormal gait in the rear legs, be reluctant to jump up on things, be less active, or have gastrointestinal disturbances. If performed prior to a year of age, ovariohysterectomy results in an 86% reduction in the risk of mammary tumors (Overley et al. 2005).