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Which Dog Breeds are More Prone to Cancer?

Which Dog Breeds are More Prone to Cancer?
January 31, 2024



New research has identified which types of dog breeds are at a higher risk of developing cancer. The findings of the study challenge the belief that larger dogs are more susceptible to the disease. It was revealed that while larger breeds do have a higher cancer risk, it’s not necessarily the largest breeds that are most at risk. The study, published in Royal Society Open Science, aimed to explore the initiation of cancer and its relation to specific dog breeds. Leonard Nunney, a lead author of the study and an evolutionary biologist at the University of California, Riverside, explained that while in humans, larger bodies are typically more prone to cancer, this pattern does not apply to dogs. He pointed out that there is a wide range in the size of dog breeds, from Chihuahuas to Mastiffs or Great Danes. Surprisingly, the research indicated that bigger dogs actually have a lower risk of developing cancer compared to medium-sized dogs, mainly because they tend to have shorter lifespans. Some of the breeds identified as being particularly prone to cancer include flat-coated retrievers, Bernese mountain dogs, and Westies. For example, flat-coated retrievers are at a high risk of developing sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that affects the bones and soft tissues. Additionally, terriers, particularly Scottish terriers, have a higher likelihood of developing bladder cancer. On a positive note, the study found that not many breeds have an excessive susceptibility to cancer. The results shed light on the genetic mutations responsible for cancer in dogs and also indicated that while inbreeding can decrease a breed’s lifespan, it does not necessarily increase the risk of cancer. The study’s model can potentially be used to monitor whether certain breeds are becoming more susceptible to specific types of cancer in the future. According to Leonard Nunney, dogs serve as an excellent model for understanding the genetic changes associated with increased susceptibility to particular cancers.

OpenAI
Author: OpenAI

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