Management of Fibroadenoma in a 12-Year-Old Dachshund Mix Dog

Mammary tumors are the most common neoplasia in female dogs and represent a serious issue in veterinary practice (Salas et al., 2015). Several factors influence these tumors, including epidemiology, clinical aspects, histology, and molecular factors. Among the epidemiological risk factors consistently reported in the literature are age, breed, reproductive status, and hormones (Burrai et al., 2020). Mammary tumors typically affect middle-aged and older dogs, with an increased risk between 8 and 11 years of age. Benign tumors may occur in dogs aged 7 to 9 years, while malignant tumors are more frequent in older dogs. Mammary tumors can occur in any breed, although purebreds seem to be more susceptible. Small dog breeds at high risk include Dachshunds (Rickyawan et al., 2022). Mammary tumors are the second most common case in dogs after skin tumors, with an incidence rate of about 52%, contributing significantly to mortality besides old age (Sorenmo, 2003). In female dogs, 60% of tumors originate from the abdominal and inguinal mammary glands. Age, hormones, and genetics also influence tumor development as they can cause structural and functional changes in the mammary glands (Goldschmidt et al., 2016). About 50% of canine mammary tumors are benign, including simple adenomas, complex adenomas, or benign mesenchymal tumors like fibroadenomas, which account for 2.83% of canine tumor cases based on a 2002–2012 epidemiological study in female dogs (Gorda & Pratistha, 2018);(Salas et al., 2015). Effective management of mammary tumors requires a strategic approach. Surgical intervention, primarily mastectomy, remains the cornerstone of treatment, with chemotherapy and radiation as alternatives despite their potential toxicity to other organs (Debela et al., 2021);(Wang & Tepper, 2021). The choice of surgical technique depends on tumor size, location, tissue attachment, and potential for metastasis (Papazoglou et al., 2014).

Signalement and History A 12-year-old, non-spayed female Dachshund mix named Chibi, weighing 11.5 kg, presented with abdominal masses persisting for three years. The patient had no history of vomiting or diarrhea, maintained normal appetite and drinking habits, and was regularly dewormed but unvaccinated. Previous medical records indicated no significant illnesses or surgeries, and the owner reported no recent behavioral changes or pain. Pyhsical Examination Physical examination revealed stable vital signs: body temperature of 38.5°C, pulse rate of 110 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute, and capillary refill time (CRT) and skin turgor < 2 seconds. Palpation identified three semisolid, meat-like masses (3–6 cm in diameter) in the left inguinal, right thoracic, and left thoracic regions, adhering to underlying tissues (Figure 1). Ultrasonography Examination Ultrasonography of the left inguinal mass revealed hypoechoic echogenicity, consistent with soft tissue neoplasia (Figure 2). Blood Profile Hematological analysis indicated leukopenia (WBC 5.3 x 103/μL, reference 6-17 x 103/μL), low granulocytes (0.8 x 103/μL, reference 4-12.6 x 103/μL;15%, reference 60-83%), and increased mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH, 26.2 pg, reference 20-25 pg). Other parameters, including hematocrit, platelets, and hemoglobin, were within normal limits (Table 1). | Parameter | Result | Reference | Note | |---|---|---|---| | HCT | 47.5 % | 39 – 56 % | Normal | | PLT | 224 103/µl | 117 – 460 103/µl | Normal | | WBC | 5.3 103/µl | 6 – 17 103/µl | Low | | MID | 0.3 103/µl | 0 – 1.8 103/µl | Normal | | GRA | 0.8 103/µl | 4 – 12.6 103/µl | Low | | LYM | 79% | 12 – 30% | High | | MID | 6% | 2 – 9% | Normal | | GRA | 15% | 60 – 83% | Low | | RBC | 6.69 106/µl | 5.5 – 8.5 106/µl | Normal | | HGB | 17.5 g/dL | 11 – 19 g/dL | Normal | | MCHC | 37 g/dL | 30 38 g/dL | Normal | | MCH | 26.2 pg | 20 – 25 pg | High | | MCV | 70.9 fL | 62 – 72 fL | Normal | | RDWCV | 13 % | 11 – 15.5 % | Normal | | RDWSD | 42.6 fL | 35 – 56 fL | Normal | | MPV | 8.5 fL | 7 – 12.9 fL | Normal | | PDW | 15.5 fL | 10 – 18 fL | Normal | | P-LCR | 23.2% | 13 – 43% | Normal | Histopathological Examination A biopsy sample from the ventral abdominal mass (4.5 × 3 × 2.5 cm, irregular, white to brownish, soft consistency) was analyzed at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory, Brawijaya University. Histopathology revealed adenoma clusters with highly acidophilic (red-stained) luminal secretions, resembling mammary gland secretory cells or thyroid adenoma, supported by dense fibrovascular connective tissue stroma (Figure 3; Figure 4). The findings confirmed fibroadenoma, a benign tumor with proliferating epithelial cells and fibrous stroma (Cassali et al., 2015);(Goldschmidt et al., 2016). Diagnosis and Prognosis Based on clinical, ultrasonographic, hematological, and histopathological findings, the diagnosis was fibroadenoma with a favorable (fausta) prognosis. Surgical Management Pre-Surgery The patient’s health history was reviewed, confirming no significant prior illnesses or surgeries. After an 8-hour fast, the surgical site was shaved and aseptically prepared with povidone-iodine. The dog was positioned dorso-ventrally, secured, and pre-medicated with atropine sulfate (0.005 mg/kg SC). General anesthesia was induced with ketamine (5 mg/kg IV) and xylazine (2.17 mg/kg IV), supplemented by ceftriaxone (15 mg/kg IM) for prophylaxis. A surgical drape was applied to maintain sterility (Papazoglou et al., 2014). Surgery Ovariohysterectomy and regional mastectomy were performed under general anesthesia (Figure 5). A ventral midline incision accessed the abdominal cavity, where the ovaries and uterus were identified, double-clamped, ligated with chromic catgut, and removed. The linea alba was closed with simple interrupted sutures. Mastectomy involved incisions from the caudal abdominal to the inguinal mammary glands, extending cranially to the thoracic glands. Tumor masses were excised using blunt dissection, with hemostasis achieved via ligation with 3/0 chromic catgut. The surgical field was irrigated with normal saline, and wounds were closed with 3/0 silk simple interrupted sutures. Topical gentamicin ointment and sterile gauze were applied post-closure (Papazoglou et al., 2014). Post-Surgery Post-operative care involved hospitalization for 5 days. The patient's wound was treated by cleaning it twice daily in the morning and evening. The wound care consisted of cleaning with gauze soaked in normal saline around the wound area. Then, it was applied with gentamicin ointment and covered with sterile gauze. Post-operative treatment included injections of ceftriaxone at a dose of 15 mg/kg IM q12h and dexamethasone at a dose of 0.02 mg/kg IM q12h. Additionally, the patient was given oral medication, including a combination of amoxicillin at a dose of 20 mg/kg PO q12h, metronidazole at a dose of 12.5 mg/kg PO q12h, and dexamethasone at a dose of 0.125 mg/kg PO q12h twice daily for 7 days. The post-operative wound condition did not show any complications, and the wound healing process proceeded well. (Figure 6).

and Discussion The fibroadenoma diagnosis in this 12-year-old Dachshund mix aligns with the breed’s predisposition to mammary tumors, particularly in older dogs (Asih & Gorda, 2018). Ultrasonography revealed hypoechoic masses, supporting the diagnosis of soft tissue neoplasia (Gasser et al., 2018). This imaging modality is critical for assessing tumor characteristics and differentiating neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions (Simarmata et al., 2021). Hematological findings indicated leukopenia, granulocytopenia, and elevated lymphocytes, consistent with chronic disease or immune response to long-standing, untreated tumors (Alilovic et al., 2022);(Lallo et al., 2016). Elevated mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) suggested non-regenerative anemia, potentially linked to granulocytopenia (Neiger et al., 2002);(Harvey, 2017). Lymphocytosis, likely pathological due to the tumor's chronicity, may reflect antigenic stimulation or hormonal influences (Giyartika & Keman, 2020);(Isaac et al., 2016). Histopathological analysis confirmed fibroadenoma, characterized by adenoma clusters with acidophilic secretions within dense fibrovascular stroma, consistent with benign neoplastic growth (Cassali et al., 2015);(Goldschmidt et al., 2016). Surgical management via ovariohysterectomy and regional mastectomy effectively addressed the tumor. Ovariohysterectomy mitigated hormonal drivers, as estrogen and progesterone can exacerbate mammary tumor growth (Spoeri et al., 2015);(Akhmad et al., 2021). Regional mastectomy, including inguinal lymph node removal, was tailored to tumor location and size, minimizing recurrence risk (Papazoglou et al., 2014). The skin flap technique with simple interrupted sutures (chromic catgut and silk) ensured stable wound closure, leveraging good vascularization to support healing (Adigbli et al., 2016);(D'Cunha et al., 2022);(Jayaindhraeswaran et al., 2021). Anesthesia with atropine sulfate, ketamine, and xylazine was effective, though xylazine carries risks of cardiac depression at high doses (Nesgash et al., 2016). Post-operative care included dexamethasone to reduce inflammation, with short-term use minimizing risks (Viviano, 2022);(Elkholly et al., 2020). Multimodal antibiotics (ceftriaxone, amoxicillin, metronidazole) provided synergistic antimicrobial coverage, targeting aerobic and anaerobic infections (Bouza & Muñoz, 2000);(Guilhelmelli et al., 2013);(Adil et al., 2018);(Pelligand et al., 2024). Normal saline irrigation and gentamicin ointment supported wound healing without toxicity (Hartanti, 2016);(Kumar et al., 2008). The absence of complications and successful recovery underscore the efficacy of this approach, though long-term monitoring is recommended to detect potential recurrence (Fesseha, 2020).

This case report demonstrates the successful management of fibroadenoma in a 12-year-old Dachshund mix through comprehensive diagnostics (ultrasonography, hematology, histopathology) and surgical intervention (ovariohysterectomy and mastectomy). Perioperative care with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories ensured complication-free recovery. Regular post-operative monitoring for six months confirmed no recurrence, highlighting the efficacy of early surgical intervention and hormonal control to optimize outcomes in canine fibroadenoma cases. Future studies should investigate advanced diagnostics and less invasive treatments to enhance management strategies. Approval of Ethical Commission This case report did not require ethical clearance, as it was conducted using medical records from Ontosenovet Animal Clinic, where the patient was presented for medical treatment and condition improvement. The owner's consent was secured, and all procedures, including clinical examinations, ultrasonography, hematological assessments, histopathological evaluations, and surgical interventions, were performed by certified veterinarians or under their supervision, with strict adherence to ethical guidelines throughout the case management and reporting process. Acknowledgment The authors wish to express their gratitude to all the veterinarians and staff of the Ontosenovet Animal Clinic for their thoughtful support and for providing the necessary facilities. Author's Contribution CEAP and AAR: Conceptualization; Methodology; Validation; Investigation; Resources; Data Curation; Writing - Original Draft. CEAP, AAR, NR, SRP, NAK, & AOA: Writing - Review & Editing. Data Availability Statement The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. Conflict of Interest The authors have not declared any conflict of interest. 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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21689 Copyright (c) 2026 Aldin Akbar Rahmatullah, Cindy Ercha Aulia Putri, Nurrohmah Ratnaningtyas, Syifa Ramadhan Pratama, Nuurin Ajrin Karim, Adeyinka Oye Akintunde This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Veterinary Medicine Journal by Unair is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 1. The Journal allows the author to hold the copyright of the article without restrictions. 2. The Journal allows the author(s) to retain publishing rights without restrictions 3. The legal formal aspect of journal publication accessibility refers to Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike (CC BY-SA).