What is the term for the removal of the mammary glands in animals?

The term for the removal of the mammary glands in animals is "mastectomy." This surgical procedure involves the excision of breast tissue, which may be necessary in cases of tumors, infections, or other pathological conditions affecting the mammary glands. It is commonly performed in female animals and can involve the removal of one or both sides, depending on the condition being treated.

In contrast, lumpectomy refers specifically to the removal of a lump or tumor while preserving surrounding tissue, which is different from the complete removal associated with a mastectomy. Nephrectomy pertains to the removal of a kidney, while ovariectomy involves the surgical removal of the ovaries. Therefore, mastectomy is the term that specifically describes the surgical removal of mammary glands, making it the correct answer in this context.