Improvement in quality of life of bitches with malignant mammary neoplasms after unilateral mastectomy and regional lymphadenectomy

Malignant mammary neoplasms (MMNs) are common in bitches, and surgery promotes disease remission and improves quality of life (QoL), which reflects animal welfare. QoL can be assessed using validated scales, answered by the closest caregiver. This study aimed to evaluate the QoL of 15 bitches with MMNs before and after unilateral mastectomy associated to regional lymphadenectomy. The "HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale" and the "Questionnaire for Evaluating Health-Related Quality of Life in Dogs with Signs of Pain Secondary to Cancer (QEHQ) were administered to the closest caregiver before surgery and 45 days afterward. Differences in QoL before and after surgery were observed according to neoplasm stage, with greater improvement in patients with advanced disease. The HHHHHMM Scale suggested a major improvement in pain-related parameters, while the QEHQ indicated preoperative QoL impairment that was no longer evident after surgery. Unilateral mastectomy and regional lymphadenectomy positively influence the QoL of bitches with MMNs, particularly in advanced stages.