What Are the Causes of Canine Cancer?
Dogs develop some cancers at a very high rate. Mammary cancer is four times higher, bone cancer eight times higher and skin cancer 35 times higher than in humans. Often the cause for cancer is not known.
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Age
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As mammals age, cancer rates increase. One theory is that aging cells have increased genetic mutations and decreased ability to get rid of individual cancer cells before they start dividing.
Genetics
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Some cancers have genetic factors and are common in certain breeds. These include bone cancer in Scottish deerhounds and Rottweilers, stomach cancer in chow chows, and mast-cell tumors in boxers and pugs.
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Chemicals
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Dogs are exposed to carcinogens such as lawn and garden chemicals, food and treat contamination, flea and tick repellents, cigarette smoke, and carpeting and floor cleaners.
Sun
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Dogs often spend extended time in the sun. The sun is a major cause of skin cancer. This is demonstrated by the fact that short coated or white-haired dogs and those who often lie on their backs exposing their bellies get squamous-cell carcinoma at a higher rate.
Viral
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Dogs get cancer from venereal viruses during breeding. Other viruses are also suspected in cancer development.
Hormones
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Female dogs spayed before their second heat develop less mammary cancer. However, large-breed males neutered prior to one year of age seem to develop bone cancer more, possibly due to extended growing time of bones after loss of bone-sealing testosterone.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of kenna takahashi Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of John Haslam
