Clinical management and surgical treatment of a mammary tumor in a tropical cattle

Resumo

Mammary tumors in cattle are rare neoplastic conditions; however, their presence can cause significant functional changes in the mammary gland, compromise animal welfare, and result in economic losses in production systems. This case report describes the clinical approach, surgical treatment, and postoperative course of a mammary tumor in a 7-year-old Holstein cow raised under tropical conditions in the district of Las Piedras, Tambopata province, Madre de Dios region, Peru. During the clinical evaluation, a large tumor mass was identified in the right anterior and posterior mammary quarters, characterized by progressive growth, evident udder deformation, and functional impairment of the mammary gland. Based on the clinical findings, complete surgical excision of the tumor mass was performed under appropriate conditions of sedation, asepsis, and antisepsis. The surgical procedure included careful dissection of the affected tissues, hemostatic control, and closure of the different anatomical planes using appropriate suture material. Postoperative management consisted of antibiotic therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, topical treatment, and continuous clinical monitoring. The patient showed a favorable course, with progressive reduction of the inflammatory process, adequate healing, and satisfactory recovery without severe complications. This case highlights the importance of timely clinical diagnosis, appropriate surgical intervention, and comprehensive postoperative management to improve the prognosis and promote recovery in cattle affected by mammary neoplasms in tropical production systems.