New Research On The Relationship Between Canine Size And Cancer Risk Revealed What Breeds Are Most Prone To Developing The Disease
Catching cancer as early as possible is crucial for treatment efficacy and, ultimately, saving lives, regardless of whether a human’s health or a dog’s wellness is at stake.
Right now, most dog owners tend to use a robust diet, plenty of exercise, and regular check-ups to try and keep their furry friends healthy. But imagine if you could actually know ahead of time whether or not your loyal companion was at a higher risk of developing cancer.
Well, a recent study suggests that there is a significant link between a dog’s size and its cancer risk, and understanding this relationship could potentially aid early intervention efforts.
The research examined dogs of various sizes, ranging from tiny pups like chihuahuas to larger breeds such as mastiffs and Great Danes.
Contrary to long-held beliefs, it also appears that larger dogs are actually at a lower risk of cancer, mainly because they tend to have shorter lifespans compared to smaller dogs, which usually live longer.
After all, as dogs age, they face more health risks, and their immune systems weaken, which is why smaller dogs might be more prone to cancer.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), large dog breeds such as Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labradors usually have a lifespan of eight to 12 years.
On the flip side, studies indicate that medium-sized breeds like Poodles, French Bulldogs, and Cocker Spaniels, as well as smaller breeds like Terriers, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas, face a greater risk of developing cancer due to their longer lifespans.
So, small breeds can exceed 15 years of age, while medium breeds may live between 10 to 13 years, according to the AKC.
Wendy – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual dogs
Yet, during this study, lead author Leonard Nunney and his colleagues discovered that certain breeds, irrespective of their size, are naturally more susceptible to particular types of cancer.
For instance, terriers, specifically Scottish Terriers, are actually more likely to suffer from bladder cancer. On the other hand, Flat-Coated Retrievers are prone to a less common type of cancer known as sarcoma, which affects the bones and soft tissues.
However, don’t rush to contact your veterinarian just yet. Rather, Nunney wanted to make it clear to pet owners that just because smaller dogs are at an increased risk of cancer, it doesn’t guarantee they will actually develop it.
Instead, this insight simply allows animal experts and scientists to more effectively study dog breeds and understand the role genetics play in the risk of cancer moving forward.
“Dogs are an extremely good model for understanding the genetic changes that may lead to a higher susceptibility of specific cancers,” Nunney said.
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, visit the link here.
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