Our Summary

This research paper reviews the medical records of 24 goats and one sheep that had surgery to remove one or both of their udders (mastectomy) between 2002 and 2019. The study looked at three types of surgical techniques. It found that all animals survived the surgery and were able to leave the hospital. There were some problems during and after the surgery, including infection and difficulties with the incision healing. In 7 out of 15 animals that were tested, the udders were found to have abnormal growths. However, the type of surgical technique used or the presence of these growths did not affect the long-term health of the animals. The owners of the animals were generally satisfied with the results of the surgery. The study concludes that this type of surgery can be successfully used to treat a variety of udder issues, including chronic infection, abnormal milk production, unknown causes, or abnormal growths. The surgery had a low rate of complications and the animals were able to live a long life afterwards. The udders also looked good after the surgery.

FAQs

  1. What types of udder issues can be successfully treated with mastectomy in goats and sheep?
  2. Did the presence of abnormal growths or the type of surgical technique used affect the long-term health of the animals?
  3. What were the common complications during and after the mastectomy surgery in goats and sheep?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a radical mastectomy to ensure they follow their post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the surgical site clean and dry, taking prescribed medications as directed, and attending all follow-up appointments. They may also recommend gentle exercises to help with recovery and suggest seeking support from a counselor or support group to cope with any emotional challenges that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended radical mastectomy are those with:

  1. Large or locally advanced breast tumors that cannot be removed with a lumpectomy
  2. Invasive breast cancer that has spread to the chest wall or surrounding tissues
  3. Inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer
  4. Recurrent breast cancer that has come back after previous treatment
  5. Patients with a high risk of developing a second primary breast cancer, such as those with a strong family history of breast cancer or a genetic mutation like BRCA1 or BRCA2
  6. Patients with Paget’s disease of the breast, a rare form of breast cancer that affects the nipple and areola

It is important to note that not all patients with these conditions will require a radical mastectomy, as treatment decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis after considering the patient’s overall health, tumor characteristics, and personal preferences.

Timeline

Before radical mastectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies to confirm the presence of breast cancer.
  2. Patient meets with a surgical oncologist to discuss treatment options, including the possibility of a radical mastectomy.
  3. Patient undergoes preoperative tests and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
  4. Surgery is scheduled and the patient prepares for the procedure, which may involve arranging for post-operative care and support.

After radical mastectomy:

  1. Patient wakes up in the recovery room after surgery and is monitored by medical staff for any immediate complications.
  2. Patient may experience pain and discomfort in the days following surgery, which can be managed with medication.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital and begins the recovery process at home, which may involve rest, wound care, and physical therapy.
  4. Patient may undergo additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy to further treat the cancer.
  5. Patient follows up with their surgical oncologist for regular check-ups and monitoring of their overall health.
  6. Patient may consider reconstructive surgery to restore the appearance of their breast(s) after healing from the mastectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with radical mastectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after the surgery?
  3. Will I be able to breastfeed after the surgery?
  4. What are the long-term effects of radical mastectomy on my overall health?
  5. Are there alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  6. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  7. What can I expect in terms of scarring and changes in appearance after the surgery?
  8. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  9. How will radical mastectomy affect my risk of breast cancer in the future?
  10. Can you provide me with information on support groups or resources for patients who have undergone radical mastectomy?

Reference

Authors: Hermida JA, Baird AN, Hawkins JF, Moore GE. Journal: Vet Surg. 2021 Jan;50(1):104-110. doi: 10.1111/vsu.13509. Epub 2020 Sep 1. PMID: 32870506