• Question: Are dogs able to get cancer

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      Asked by Rachel✨? to Anne, Florence, Mark, Neil, Sinead on 17 Nov 2015.
      • Photo: Sinead Balgobin

        Sinead Balgobin answered on 17 Nov 2015:

        Yes, dogs can get cancer. Cancer is a mutation of genetic material that effectively “breaks” the normal functions of a cell, causing the cancer cells to multiply uncontrollably, and invade healthy tissue. Theoretically this can occur in anything with cells- even plants have been recorded as having tumours. Some organisms have a natural resistance to cancer- look up the naked mole rat; it’s not pretty, but it is a very interesting animal!

      • Photo: Mark Collins

        Mark Collins answered on 17 Nov 2015:

        Yes, all animals or anything with cells can harbour a mutated gene that could lead to a cancer spreading. Animal cell function although is not Panarea of expertise for me so I will differ to Sinead on this!

      • Photo: Florence McCarthy

        Florence McCarthy answered on 18 Nov 2015:

        Yes, absolutely and as dogs will live longer they are more likely to be diagnosed with it. The treatment is essentially the same as for humans so surgery/radiation/chemotherapy are commonly used.

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