Predictors of survival in dogs with mammary inflammatory carcinoma: a retrospective analysis of 43 cases (2003-2008)

Background. Canine mammary inflammatory carcinoma (IC) has a grave prognosis. Prognostic factors and treatment data have not been studied extensively. Objective. To describe clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of dogs with IC, and identify patient-, tumor-, and treatment-related predictors of overall survival. Design. Retrospective study. Animals. 43 client-owned dogs. Procedures. Records of dogs with a clinical diagnosis of IC showing pathological evidence of dermal lymphatic invasion were reviewed. Data on clinical staging, type of treatment, toxicity, response, and survival time were retrieved. Results. Primary IC accounted for 60,5% of cases, whereas secondary IC represented 39,5% of cases. The overall metastatic rate at presentation was 86,0%, with 81,4% of dogs showing distant metastasis. Six of 29 dogs had an abnormal coagulation profile. Sixteen dogs never received treatment, 24 received medical treatment only, 2 underwent surgical excision and medical treatment, and one underwent surgery only. Forty-one of 43 dogs experienced progressive disease, and 2 dogs were stable, never reaching disease-free status. Mean survival for all patients was 60 days (range, 1 to 300 days). The presence of coagulopathies decreased survival of approximately 70% (OR: 0.28, CI 95%: 0.10-0.80, p < 0.05) and the use of adjuvant chemotherapy increased the chance of survival of more than twofold (OR: 2.54, CI 95%: 1.27-5.08, p < 0.01). Conclusions and clinical relevance. IC is biologically aggressive and has a guarded prognosis. Complete staging at presentation, including coagulation profile, is mandatory. Results suggest that medical treatment may improve outcome, thereby supporting its use in dogs with IC.