Cancer is most common in middle-aged and older dogs. Cancer rates in dog are higher than human cancer rates. About one-third of dogs get cancer, and half of those dogs die from it. Some breeds have higher rates of some types, such as bone cancer in Scottish deerhounds and Rottweilers. Some breeds, like golden retrievers, have an overall higher rate of cancers. Symptoms vary, as there are many types of cancer. However, suspicious symptoms need evaluation because it can develop in any dog at any age.
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Cause
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Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells. Sometimes the cells grow rapidly without spreading; other cancers spread to new locations. There are many types of canine cancers affecting organs including the brain, skin, bones, liver and pancreas. Some cancers, such as sun exposure increasing skin cancer, have a known or suspected factor. Most cancers develop in aging dogs, indicating a relationship between cancer and cell mutations. Some cancers have genetic ties. Unspayed female dogs develop higher rate of mammary cancer due to hormone factors. However, the causes for most cancers are unknown.
Common
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Any cancer can develop in young dogs, but a few are more common. Lymphoma is one type of cancer that is common in young dogs. Veterinary oncologist Laura Garrett of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine, said that lymphoma occurrence is higher in some breeds such as Rottweilers, golden retrievers and Scottish terriers. Histiocytomas are skin tumors, which may be malignant or benign. These are common in dogs, but have higher rates in some breeds, such as flat-coated retrievers, English bulldogs, boxers and Boston terriers. According to University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, it is the most common skin tumor in young dogs.
Early Development
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Some cancers with genetic components occur in young dogs. Osteosarcoma is bone cancer. Bone cancer has higher incidence in several breeds, indicating genetic links. In larger and giant breeds, it tends to develop at a younger age. Boxers and Boston terriers also have a higher rate of developing brain tumors at a young age, according to North Carolina College of Veterinary Medicine.
Treatment
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Treatment for cancer depends on the type and stage of cancer and health of the dog. Common treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Sometimes treatment is designed to prolong life when a cure is not expected, such as with lymphoma. Supportive medications to control or reduce symptoms and side effects include anti-nausea, pain and anti-diarrhea drugs.
Prognosis
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A young dog with cancer may have the benefits of better health and more ability to withstand treatment. In some types of cancer, such as osteosarcoma, early development is more serious. According to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, when osteosarcoma occurs in a young dog, it is usually more aggressive and results in decreased survival time. According to Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, there are reports of dogs as young as 1 year old diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
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