Below is a list of dog breeds that are at a high risk of developing cancer. Unfortunately they also tend to make the most popular pets. The list comes from a wide variety of sources.
Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherd Dogs, Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, Rottweilers, Dobermann Pinschers, Schnauzers, Flat Coat Retrievers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Great Danes, Greyhounds and Standard Poodles.
The most common types of tumour found in dogs is:
Lymphoma
wIt accounts for approximately 20% of all cancers in dogs.
wThe main problem you would notice is weight loss and general lethargy in your pet.
wThese tumours can be picked up at health checks when your dog is in for its yearly booster for example. Every health check involves routinely feeling under the neck for the lymph nodes as well as above the shoulder blades and we even check the lymph nodes behind your dog's knees while we ask you questions about their health. This is when we may notice that the lymph glands may be raised or enlarged and need a further workup such as a biopsy.
w Always heartbreaking to make this diagnosis. Lymphomas or lyphosarcomas can affect any breed at any age.
wMales and females are at equal risk.
wParticularly high incidence is found in Golden Retrievers, Boxers, German Shepherd Dogs, Scottish Terriers, Westies and Pointers.
w Good news for Dachshund and Pomeranian owners as they are at low risk.
MAST CELL TUMOURS
wThese are tumours that you would notice as lumps under the skin.
wThey can occur in dogs of any age (average 8-10 years).
wBoxers are especially prone to these tumours, so any lumps noticed on your boxer especially on the back quarters must be seen as soon as possible, removed surgically and sent for histopathology. Boxers are a breed that are not good anaesthetic candidates, but with modern anaesthetic drugs now, this is less of a problem than even a few years ago.
Mammary Tumours in unspayed females
wUnspayed female dogs are at high risk of developing malignant mammary tumours, which means that just like in humans with breast cancer, this type of cancer can spread rapidly to important organs such as the lungs and liver.
wIt is vital to have your female pet dog spayed if you do not plan to breed with her as it leads to a healthier pet for this reason.
w Having her spayed before her first season (ie at 6 months) apparently also reduces this incidence, rather than allowing her one season. 25% of unspayed females over the age of 4 will probably develop one or more mammary cancers (felt as a small, hard lump around or near the nipple). German Shepherd Dogs, Dobermanns, Poodles and Cocker Spaniels have a greater incidence.
MELANOMA
wOccurs commonly in dogs with dark pigmented skin and accounts for approximately 6% of all canine tumours.
wAny dog can be affected, but Cocker Spaniels, Gordon Setters, Standard and Miniature Schnauzers, Dobermann Pinschers and Scottish Terriers among others are at an increased risk of developing melanoma.
wIf a melanoma occurs in the mouth, it is particularly dangerous. We rarely look right inside a dog's mouth with a routine health check, unless we know the dog well and it is very co-operative, so these are often missed until too late or they can be picked up at routine dentals.
OSTEOSARCOMAS
wThis is the most common type of primary bone cancer. Of total canine malignancies (cancers that spread), osteosarcoma accounts for about 5%.
wThe disease usually becomes evident during middle age (about 7-10 years), although bone cancer can affect dogs <1 year of age.
wThe giant breeds are particularly susceptible eg Great Danes, Mastiffs, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Irish Wolfhounds. Large breeds such as Rottweilers, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, Dobermanns, Weimeraners, Greyhounds and Boxers (again - so sad for such a wonderful breed!) are also at increased risk.
w If your old dog suffers from arthritis and he is getting no pain relief with the top dose of painkillers, always make sure he is checked for bone cancers - one of the worst diagnoses we can make in your pet.
To learn more about treating your pet at home with cancer, including a homemade cancer diet, click on my e-book below. It is full of practical advice about treating common dog illnesses safely at home.
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