Some dogs more prone to cancer

Is your dog at high risk for getting cancer? Trupanion pet insurance released a study today that might help answer that question.

Cancer-related pet insurance claims were most common in German shepherds, golden retrievers, rottweilers and doberman pinschers, according the study. Trupanion based the information on pet insurance claims dating back to Aug. 12, 2000.

Ninety-eight cancer-related claims – a total of $47,501.45 -- were filed for boxers. German shepherds came in second with 96 claims totaling $42,489.57. A total of 86 cancer-related claims were filed for both golden retrievers and rottweilers. Doberman pinschers rounded out the top five with 42 cancer-related claims.

But even in your dog is not in the top five, there is still a significant risk that he or she could get cancer. The National Canine Cancer Foundation points out that one in three dogs will develop cancer at some point. The disease claims the lives or roughly one-half of dogs diagnosed with cancer, according to the foundation.

The best way to protect your dog from cancer is to have regular veterinary checkups. Some cancers can be removed and treated if they are caught early.

Treatment for pets diagnosed with cancer can include surgery, radiation and anti-cancer drugs. Holistic treatments, along with dietary changes, is also common. The life expectancy of dogs diagnosed with cancer can vary depending on the type and severity of the disease.

The warning signs of cancer can include lumps under the skin, sores that do not heal, bad breath, unexplained bleeding, abdominal swelling and weight loss. A prompt vet appointment should be scheduled if you notice one or more of these warning symptoms.

Trupanion offers dog and cat veterinary pet insurance plans  that are underwritten by the American Pet Insurance Company (APIC).