CONDUCT OF VETERINARIANS IN CASES OF MAMMARY TUMOR IN BITCHES

Abstract

Although mammary tumors (MT) malignant are important cause of death among bitches in Brazil, some clinicians do not annotates in the medical records, relevant information on the reproductive life of the canine females, showing lack of information about the subject. Another factor that contributes to high casuistry of disease is the lack of information of owners of animals of about the importance of precocious castration on prophylaxis the MT. In teaching hospitals clinical veterinarians train students through hands-on experience but face challenges like workload and inconsistent teaching methods. This study aimed to record the conduct of veterinarians that serves on a Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH). Twenty-eight female dogs had their consultations accompanied by students trained for the study. The students followed the consultations and their owners, collecting information about the animals, owners and veterinarians that attended the animals. At the end of the consultations it found that most of the veterinarians who treated the patients did not report the disease etiology or the importance of castration in the prophylaxis of MT. The misinformation about the disease is widespread among clients and veterinarians, which reduces the possibility of early diagnosis, that is fundamental to prognostic of MT in bitches. It is important to note that the veterinarians involved assist in the supervision of students and interns as it is a teaching hospital. Thus, these students are hampered in their training. It is noted the need for educational campaigns with everyone involved in animal health, to clarify the importance of MT in dogs, allowing greater quality of life and longevity for these animals.