Top 10 Dog Breeds With the Highest Rate of Cancer Development
According to The Veterinary Cancer Society, cancer is the leading cause of death in 47% of dogs! Sadly, certain breeds are prone to higher rates of cancer development then their counterparts. We have broken down the 10 breeds with the highest rate of cancer development.
Rottweilers
Rottweilers are known to have numerous health problems later in life. With a average lifespan of 8 to 12 years Rottweilers can develop bone cancer, elbow & hip dysplasia, and gastric torsion.
Bernese Mountain Dogs
This loving family dog unfortunately has one of the shortest lifespan due to an array of health problems from the giant size of the breed. Bernese Mountain dogs requires daily exercise and a well-balanced diet for the large breed. The most common cancer with this breed is mast cell tumors.
Bouvier des Flandres
Bouvier des Flandres are predisposed to gastric carcinoma. The breed falls into the high risk category with development of this type of malignant stomach cancer. This agile farm dog can live an average of 10 to 12 years. A healthy diet and daily exercise is a must for this herding dog.
German Shepherd
Hemangiosarcoma and Osteosarcoma cancer are most frequently developed with the German Shepherd breed. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant cancer of the circulatory system. This type of cancer usually occurs in the heart or spleen. As the tumor grows, internal bleeding may occur. A good way to check the circulatory system of a German Shepherd is to the check their gums in the mouth. White gums should be cause for concern.
Great Dane
Great Danes have a average lifespan for 7 to 10 years. The massive size of the Great Dane contributes to an array of health problems, including cancer. Great Danes are prone to osteosarcoma and cardiomyopathy.
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are excellent family, hunting and service dogs. Unfortunately, the Labrador, along with numerous other breeds are susceptible to the development of Lymphosarcoma.
This is a very common cancer in dogs and can occur in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and other organs. The cancer can be aggressive and if left untreated, can lead to a high mortality. Along with Lymphoma this breed is known to develop canine elbow, shoulder and hip dysplasia and osteochondritis dissecans later in life.
Cocker Spaniel
English Cocker spaniels are genetically predisposed to mammary tumors. About 30% of these tumours are malignant and, unless promptly diagnosed and successfully treated, they have a progressively serious effect on their health.
Boxer
This curious and outgoing breed can make great companions with any family. However, this breed can fall into the high cancer rate development later in life. With a short lifespan of 8 to 10 years, Boxers need daily mental and physical exercise. Boxers are a short nose breed, although very cute, it can lead to highest development of gliomas.
Gliomas is one of many types of brain tumors that starts in the glial cells (supporting cells) within the brain, and as they continue to grown can cause compression and death of surrounding brain tissue. These types of tumors are malignant and resistant to treatment.
Doberman Pinscher
The most common cancer in the Doberman is bone cancer, which often forms detectable lumps on the shoulders or legs of the breed. Prostate cancer has a high occurrence in male Dobermans and for many years mammary cancer has been the number one killer of female Dobermans.
Golden Retriever
Top 10 Warning Signs & Symptoms of Dog Cancer
The Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA) identified cancer as the cause of death in 61.4 percent of this breed. The most common types of cancer in Golden Retrievers is hemangiosarcoma and lymphoma.
A shocking and concerning statistic shows this breed wasn’t even mentioned as having a high rate of cancer by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. However, just 11 years later in 1999, over 60% of Golden Retrievers were being lost to cancer development.