Feline mammary hyperplasia is a very common disease among kittens and occurs when there is an excessive enlargement of the breasts very quickly. There are some causes for the development of the problem, one of them is the application of cat heat vaccine in females. In all cases, castration is the best way to prevent this type of problem. To clear up all doubts about the subject, we talked towith veterinarian Amanda Miranda, from Rio de Janeiro. More to know about the disease!

Feline mammary hyperplasia: what do you need to know about this disease?

When we talk about feline mammary hyperplasia, we need to understand that this disease is not a cancer in cats, but rather a non-neoplastic (malignant) change. Therefore, the problem is not treated as a tumor in cats: it is a change in one or more of the kitten's breasts.

There are some reasons that can lead the kitten to have this disease: "The increase in breasts is related to the increase in hormonal production, and can occur in cats of any age, not castrated, from the first heat. It is more observed in animals that have received vaccine for cat heat and females in early pregnancy ", explains the veterinarian. In more serious cases, where there is an infectiongeneralized and even necrosis of the breasts, treatment must be immediate to preserve the animal's life.

Feline mammary hyperplasia: cat heat vaccine aggravates the disease

If you choose not to neuter your pet, know that this can lead to some health problems. Castration does not change the personality of cats and can even appease some more annoying behaviors, such as the act of marking territory or excessive meowing during heat. To prevent the cat from becoming pregnant and giving kittens around, it is normal to use a progesterone injection,"When animals undergo the administration of progesterone injection there is a large increase in its concentration in the body, favoring the evolution of the condition," explains Amanda.

Cat care: what are the symptoms of feline mammary hyperplasia?

According to veterinarian Amanda, the main symptom of feline mammary hyperplasia is the enlargement of one or more breasts with a firm consistency, without the presence of pain and inflammation. But there are other symptoms that should be observed:

• Apathy

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• Anorexia

• Fever

• Dehydration

• Difficulty walking

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In the case of evolution of the case, it is possible to observe necrosis of the affected breasts and, in more severe cases, the animal may not be able to stand. "If there is only an increase in volume, the treatment is done with the use of antiprogestagens, otherwise the treatment will be done according to the changes and symptoms presented", concludes the veterinarian.

Feline mammary hyperplasia: how to prevent and treat the disease?

The only way to prevent feline mammary hyperplasia is with neutering. There is no other way to prevent it from happening. It is important to remember that neutering is synonymous with cat care and goes beyond preventing reproduction. It prevents diseases, tumors, uterine cancer, decreases animal aggressiveness, territory marking and also escapes. Animals that are neutered have more longevity andquality of life.