Dogs are living longer these days because of the advances of
modern veterinary and human medicine. Longer life is a boon to
pet-owning families, but it also brings old age problems to Fido
and Fancy. Cancer — the dreaded “Big C” — can be a trade-off for
those extra years with a loved companion. The good news is that
treatment and cure of animal cancers is proceeding apace: early
detection through imaging technology and a range of treatments
including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, improved surgical
techniques, gene therapy, radioactive beads, and a special diet
for the cancer patient are all in the news. Cancers are
malignant neoplasms (growths) that occur when cell-dividing
‘brake’ mechanisms – the genes that keep growth in check – go
awry. Causes of these gene malfunctions may be inherited or
acquired. Some breeds of dogs seem particularly susceptible to
some inherited types of cancer. For example, studies have shown
that the English Setter, Chihuahua, Miniature Poodle, and Afghan
Hound have a predilectio