Cancer is unfortunately common in dogs, especially older dogs. For unknown reasons, certain breeds are more prone to cancer than others. The following dog breeds are most commonly diagnosed with cancer.
Beagles
Common cancers in beagles are lymphoma, osteosarcoma, and bladder cancer. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system and osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. Noticeable symptoms of bladder cancer are blood in your dog’s urine and painful or frequent urination.
Bernese Mountain Dogs
Bernese mountain dogs are prone to lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and hemangiosarcoma. Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer of the blood vessels. This form of cancer usually targets the spleen and unfortunately goes unnoticed until an internal tumor ruptures. Signs of hemangiosarcoma may be weakness, fatigue, and pale gums.
Bichon Frises
Bichon frises may be at risk for hemangiosarcoma and skin cancers, including malignant melanoma or mast cell skin cancer. Signs of hemangiosarcoma include weakness, fatigue, and pale gums.
Bouvier des Flandres
Common cancers in Bouvier des Flandres are lymphoma and gastric carcinoma, which is a form of stomach cancer.
Boxers
Boxers may be at high risk for lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and brain cancer.
German Shepherds
German shepherds are commonly diagnosed with lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system. Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer of the blood vessels. Signs of hemangiosarcoma may be weakness, fatigue, and pale gums.
Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers are most commonly diagnosed with lymphoma or hemangiosarcoma. They also commonly develop histiocytic sarcoma, a cancer that starts in the spleen and affects many organs and tissues surrounding, including bones, joints, skin and lungs.
Great Danes
Great Danes are prone to lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and hemangiosarcoma. Great Danes are also at risk for osteosarcoma, also known as bone cancer.
Labrador Retrievers
Labrador retrievers are at high risk for lymphoma, and may also be prone to hemangiosarcoma, a cancer of the blood vessels.
Poodles
The cancer types most common in poodles are lymphoma and osteosarcoma. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system and osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer.
Rottweilers
Rottweilers are at high risk for lymphoma and osteosarcoma. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system and osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer.
This list includes the dog breeds most commonly diagnosed with cancer, yet it does not cover all of the possibilities of breeds and forms of cancer. It is important for owners to be aware of these risks and to know the early signs of cancer in their dogs to keep them happy, healthy, and comfortable. If you notice any of the signs above or have other concerns about your pet it’s always best to discuss these concerns with your veterinarian.
