Canine cancer is the primary cause of premature death in golden retrievers. Cancer kills 60 percent of the breed, according to the Golden Retriever Club of America. Goldens have a strong genetic predisposition to certain types of cancer.
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Gender
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The Golden Retriever Club of America reports that more male than female golden retrievers die from cancer---66 percent of males compared to 52 percent of females.
Causes
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Cancer in the golden retriever has multiple causes. An inherited predisposition to cancer puts a pup at risk, while environmental factors, such as an unhealthy diet or exposure to toxins, can trigger cancer cells to multiply rapidly and resist normal cell death.
Common Types
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The two most common cancers in golden retrievers are hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma. One out of every three goldens will develop hemangiosarcoma and one of every eight goldens lymphoma.
Symptoms
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Often golden retrievers suddenly collapse and die, especially with hemangiosarcoma, but symptoms of cancer can include weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, an enlarged liver or spleen and tumor growth.
Life Span
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According to gaylans.com, the high incidence of cancer in golden retrievers has shortened the lifespan of this breed from 16 years to 10.
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