Use of ultrasound technique in predicting histopathological characterization of mammary tumors in dogs

Abstract

Canine mammary tumors are the most common neoplasms in female dogs, comprising nearly 50% of all tumors. Fifteen bitches with mammary tumors presented to the Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery Ward, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, were included in the present study. Each case underwent physical examination, hematological and biochemical evaluation, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), B-mode, and Doppler ultrasonography of the inguinal lymph node, followed by surgical excision and histopathological confirmation. Ultrasonographic findings were compared with histopathological results. B-mode variables such as echogenicity, echotexture, and capsule definition showed limited specificity for malignancy prediction. In contrast, Doppler assessment of vascular pattern and hilar perfusion demonstrated higher diagnostic value. Though histopathology remains the gold standard, ultrasound imaging, especially Doppler evaluation, provides a valuable non-invasive adjunct for preoperative assessment of mammary tumors in dogs.