More often than not, these tumours will first appear as very firm lumps within the mammary gland tissue that feel like rocks or stones. They will usually continue to grow, eventually rupturing the skin and often leading to secondary issues (like infection).
Surgery is generally recommended for treating mammary gland tumours in dogs and cats. If they present as a single or even a couple of masses within a single gland, removal of the affected gland is often all that is required. If masses are present in many glands, however, a complete mastectomy (where all glands are removed) is preferable.
If your pet is yet to be desexed, we highly recommend having this procedure performed at the same time.
Removal of a single mammary gland costs around $1,500 - $2,500 at Melbourne Pet Surgery. A longer and/or complex procedure, like a full mastectomy, can cost more.
Optional pre-anaesthetic blood test available for all surgeries (additional cost)


Your pet will be able to return home on the same day as their surgery with pain relief. We will bandage the abdomen where larger areas of surgery have been performed, which can be removed in two to five days. The sutures will be removed two to three weeks later.

We provide top-quality care at affordable prices, making everything from check-ups to complex surgeries easier for pet owners to access, and helping ensure high-quality pet care remains affordable for all Melburnians.