RELATION BETWEEN HABITUAL DIET AND CANINE MAMMARY-TUMORS IN A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

In the present case-control study several dietary and nutritional fact ors were investigated to determine if a relationship exists between di et and development of mammary tumors in female dogs. Control female do gs (n = 86) were compared with a case group of dogs (n = 102) with dys plasias or tumors of the mammary gland. A questionnaire providing info rmation on the dog's body conformation and dietary and reproductive hi stories was answered by the owners. Serum selenium and retinol concent rations and the fatty acid profile in subcutaneous adipose tissue were analyzed as indicators of nutritional status. Obesity at 1 year of ag e and 1 year before the diagnosis of mammary nodules was found to be s ignificantly related to a higher prevalence of mammary tumors and dysp lasias. The intake of homemade meals (compared to that of commercial f oods) was also significantly related to a higher incidence of tumors a nd dysplasias. Other significant risk factors were a high intake of re d meat, especially beef and pork, and a low intake of chicken. The sub cutaneous fatty acid profile and the serum selenium concentration were not significantly different in the cases and the controls, with the e xception of C18:I fatty acid (oleic acid) content, which was significa ntly higher in the cases than in healthy controls. Serum retinol conce ntration was significantly lower in the cases than in the controls. In the multivariate analysis, older age, obesity at 1 year of age, and a high red meat intake were independently and significantly associated with the risk of developing mammary tumor and dysplasias.