Dog Health & Care

Dog’s Size and Shape May Predict Bone Tumor Risk

By analyzing body mass, long bone length and genetics, researchers at the University of Bristol have revealed breeds with increased and reduced odds of osteosarcoma (an aggressive bone cancer).

The study, published in March in the journal Canine Medicine and Genetics, confirmed that dogs with large body mass and long bone length were more likely to develop osteosarcoma, with Rottweilers and Great Danes at highest risk. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was also identified as being at higher risk.

At lowest risk were Bichons Frises, French Bulldogs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Tags: Dogster Health, Dogster Magazine, health, Health and Care, Health Talk, Obsessions

Jackie Brown

Pet expert Jackie Brown has spent 20 years following her passion for animals as a writer and editor in the pet publishing industry. She is contributing writer for National Geographic’s Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness: The Veterinarian's Approach to At-Home Animal Care (April 2019) and author of the book It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: Making Sense of Animal Phrases (Lumina Press, 2006). Jackie is a regular contributor to pet and veterinary industry media and is the former editor of numerous pet magazines, including Dog World, Natural Dog, Puppies 101, Kittens 101 and the Popular Cats Series. Prior to starting her career in publishing, Jackie spent eight years working in veterinary hospitals where she assisted veterinarians as they treated dogs, cats, rabbits, pocket pets, reptiles, birds and one memorable lion cub. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons and miniature poodle Jäger. Reach her at jackiebrownwriter.wordpress.com.

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