Routine veterinary care, quality nutrition and attention to the overall well-being of our dogs likely mean longer, healthier lives for our four-legged family members. Oddly, however, longevity may factor into the risk of developing cancer, which is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10. Some breeds are more prone to cancer, giving rise to the question of genetics playing a role, but outcomes continue to improve with advances in treatment.
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Genetics and Canine Cancer
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Bernese mountain dog According to WebMD Pet Health, some breeds seem to inherit more cancer-producing genes. For instance, Bernese mountain dogs have a very high incidence of cancer overall (one in four). Scientists know that two types the breed develops (histiocytosis and mastocytoma) are inherited. Also inherent in all dogs, however, are genes that suppress cancer genes. Unfortunately, environmental factors may shut down these cancer-fighting genes. Known to have increased risk of bladder cancer in general, Scottish terriers exposed to carcinogens in lawn chemicals multiply their risk by four to seven times.
Skin Cancer
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Boston terrier Writing for Houston Pet Talk, Dr. Mark Silberman states that skin cancer is the most common type in dogs, and 20 to 30 percent of these "tumors" are malignant. The most common skin cancers include mast cell, histiocytomas, squamous cell and melanomas. According to Pet Education, mast cell tumors account for 20 percent of all skin cancers in dogs. Any dog can develop skin cancer but breeds at higher risk include boxers, Boston terriers, pugs, English bulldogs, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, fox terriers and Scottish terriers.
Osteosarcoma
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St. Bernard puppy As the most common bone cancer in dogs, osteosarcoma accounts for 5 percent of all canine tumors, according to Pet Education, and malignancy occurs in 80 to 90 percent of these tumors. This cancer generally affects large or giant breed dogs. Those at greater risk include St. Bernard, Newfoundland, Bernese mountain dog, Irish wolfhound, Labrador, golden retriever and boxer. According to Pet Education, dogs weighing more than 80 pounds "are at least 60 times more likely to develop an osteosarcoma than dogs weighing less" and males are more susceptible than females.
Breeds Most at Risk Overall
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Boxer Dr. Mark Silberman notes that exposure to chemicals and UV light, diet, age and stress all play a role in a dog's risk of developing cancer. However, Dr. Silberman reports that boxers, giant schnauzers and Bernese mountain dogs have a greater than 30 percent risk of developing cancer, according to a Swedish study conducted in 1997 (222,000 dogs). Irish wolfhounds, cocker spaniels and Doberman pinschers were at 20 percent while Pomeranians, German shepherds, greyhounds, Newfoundlands and St. Bernards had more than a 10 percent risk of developing cancer of the breeds studied.
Treatment Advances
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Depending on the cancer type, veterinarians use surgery, gene therapy and even chemotherapy to treat canine cancer. In the past, only human medications dosed appropriately for dogs were available to treat canine cancer. The FDA approved the first drug specifically for canine cancer treatment in June 2009 -- Palladia (toceranib phosphate). Used for mast cell tumors, Palladia works by killing the cancer cells and cutting off tumor blood supply.
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