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Companion animals fill people's lives with joy, so is it any wonder so many households are home to pets big and small? Pet owners never want to think about a time when their animals become ill, but it is important that they recognize that certain medical conditions affect pets, and some are at higher risk of illness than others.
Data from the Veterinary Cancer Society indicates that cancer is a notable health challenge for domestic animals. Roughly one in four dogs and one in five cats will develop cancer during their lifetimes, with the disease accounting for around 47% of deaths in dogs over the age of 10. Although it's impossible to pinpoint every scenario that can lead to a cancer diagnosis, veterinary researchers have uncovered an assortment of risk factors that affect a pet's chances of developing cancer.
Age: Age is the single strongest predictor of cancer in pets. As any animal ages, the chances for genetic mutations occurring during cell division increase. Similarly, the body's natural DNA repair mechanisms become less efficient. According to data cited in the Merck Veterinary Manual, immune system decline in aging pets enables precancerous cells to grow undetected. This drives up cancer incidence in older pets.
Genetics and breed: Purebred animals experience significantly higher rates of cancer than those of mixed lineage. That's because selective breeding that concentrates specific genetic traits drives up certain malignancies. Embrace Pet Insurance says that large and giant dog breeds like Irish Wolfhounds, Great Danes and Rottweilers have a heightened risk for bone cancer (osteosarcoma) due to rapid cellular growth during development. Golden Retrievers, one of the most popular family dog breeds, have elevated rates of hemangiosarcoma and histiocytic sarcoma, which increases their overall cancer mortality rates.
Environment: Hazards in and around a typical household can contribute to cancer risk. The American Veterinary Association links secondhand tobacco smoke to higher incidence of feline lymphoma and canine nasal tumors. Lawn chemicals, pesticides and herbicides have been associated with increased risk of bladder cancer. Even exposure to UV rays is a documented factor for skin cancer in light-skinned or short-haired breeds, says Merck.
Viral infections: Viral infections are a major driver of cancer in cats. Feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus increase the likelihood of feline cancers.
Hormones: Unspayed female pets are at a greater risk of developing mammary gland tumors. Flint Animal Cancer Center says more than 85% of feline mammary tumors are malignant, but spaying a cat before its first heat reduces this risk by up to 90%.
Recognition of the risk factors that can lead to cancer may encourage pet owners to take proactive steps to protect their companion animals.