Radical mastectomy in 20 ruminants.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a surgical technique for radical mastectomy in ruminants and to report experience and outcome in 20 animals.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Seventeen goats and 3 cows.


METHODS
Medical records of ruminants that had radical mastectomy between June 1, 1987 and June 1, 2003 were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained by telephone interview of owners.


RESULTS
One animal died within 24 hours from complications of gangrenous mastitis and another died from necrotizing cellulitis. Eighteen animals were discharged and follow-up information was available for 15 animals; 12 animals lived at least 1 year postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Ruminants with severe but localized diseases of the udder did well after radical mastectomy. The procedure was well tolerated, made the animals more comfortable, and potentially prolonged their lives as pets.


CONCLUSIONS
Radical mastectomy can be a safe and effective procedure for ruminants with udder disease, with few complications.
Cable
Christina S
CS
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
Peery
Kara
K
Fubini
Susan L
SL
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D005260:Female; D015511:Goat Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006041:Goats; D015409:Mastectomy, Radical / Q000662:veterinary*; D008413:Mastitis / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary; D008414:Mastitis, Bovine / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009518:New York / Q000453:epidemiology; D011996:Records / Q000662:veterinary; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome