Background: There is limited information on the epidemiology of canine mammary tumours. This study aimed to estimate the incidence and risk factors for mammary tumours in UK bitches.
Methods: A nested case-control study was conducted within VetCompass to estimate the frequency and risk factors for clinically diagnosed mammary tumours during 2016 (VetCompass study). A second case-control study explored further breed associations for cases confirmed histopathologically compared to the VetCompass controls (laboratory study). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between risk factors and mammary tumours.
Results: The incidence of mammary tumours was 1340.7/100,000 per year (95% confidence interval: 1198.1-1483.3). A total of 222 clinical cases (VetCompass study) and 915 laboratory cases (laboratory study) were compared to 1515 VetCompass controls in the two analyses. In the VetCompass study, Springer and Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Lhasa Apsos had increased odds of developing mammary tumours. Neutering was associated with reduced odds, while odds increased with increasing age and a history of pseudopregnancy. In the laboratory study, increasing age was associated with greater odds of mammary tumours, and the breeds most at risk were similar to those identified in the VetCompass study.
Limitations: The timing of neutering was not consistently available. Comparing laboratory cases to VetCompass controls provided only exploratory evidence for the breed associations identified.
Conclusions: The study provides an update on the frequency of canine mammary tumours.
© 2023 The Authors. Veterinary Record published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Veterinary Association.