Certain breeds are predisposed to develop certain types of cancer, for example, giant dogs often suffer from tumors affecting the bones, and boxers often suffer from cancer of lymphoid tissue. This was told socialbites.ca by veterinary oncologist Alexander Kablukov.
“There are breeds that have dangerous mutations in the TP53 gene (which regulates the production of the p53 protein), for example various breeds of restorers and Bernese Mountain Dogs. These dogs are generally prone to developing malignant tumors with a genetic risk of up to 51%. Scottish Terriers have a high risk of bladder cancer. German boxers, Dobermans and Rottweilers are prone to lymphomas, pugs are prone to mastocytomas, and German shepherds are prone to hemangiosarcomas, i.e. tumors of vascular tissue. Giant breeds have a high risk of osteosarcoma affecting the bones. Therefore, if you have a Great Dane lame, any lameness should be considered a manifestation of osteosarcoma until proven otherwise,” Kablukov explained.
The doctor also noted that cancer can be suspected in a dog by reducing the animal’s body weight and fatigue. In this case, it is more important not to lose weight on its own, but to reduce muscle mass.
Learn more about how to reduce your dog’s cancer risk. material “socialbites.ca”.