When I first saw the headlines about canine cancer spread by sniffing each other’s privates, I was shocked. My dog, like all dogs, likes to sniff other dogs in the most intimate way possible.
Why haven’t I heard of this before? you?
It turns out that where I live in the U.S., it’s not common and not particularly deadly. While this isn’t something we need to panic about, it’s always good to know the facts when it comes to protecting our dogs.
Contagious dog cancer – what is it?
Cancer is not contagious. usually.
you may have heard human papilloma virus (HPV) A human virus that is spread through sexual contact. This is prevented with the Gardisil vaccine.
HPV in humans usually clears without symptoms, but in some people it can cause the onset of genital warts, and in rare cases, the virus can cause mutations in cells that can lead to cervical, throat, vulvar cancer and penile cancer. But the virus itself doesn’t cause cancer, it just increases the risk of developing cancer later on.
canine infectious venereal tumor (CTVT) in dogs not caused by a virus. Instead, actual cancer cells Behavior Like a virus, it spreads at the point of contact.
Dogs acquire CTVT on their genitals most often through mating. Affecting their nose, mouth or face by licking or sniffing is less likely, but possible.
Since it is not caused by a virus, there is no vaccine to prevent it. Also worth noting: As far as I know, there are no similar cancers in humans.
Is CTVT common in dogs?
CTVT is common in some parts of the world where dogs are free to run, mate and interact with little human intervention. Rural areas, places with stray dogs, and countries with low rates of neutering and neutering tend to have high rates of CTVT.
But CTVT is uncommon in the U.S. and Canada and other places where most dogs are spayed or spayed and not allowed to roam.
How can I protect my dog from CTVT?
Unless you live in a very common area, you probably don’t need to worry about it.
Keeping your dog inside, having a fenced backyard or keeping your dog on a leash and preventing them from roaming is wise not only reduces the risk of contagious infection from any stray dogs in your area, but also allows you to Keep your dog safe from being hit by a car, stolen or lost.
If you visit the dog park regularly, you may not have to worry about your dog sniffing out their friends and other perky behaviors. Unless your dog’s friend is allowed to roam in rural areas, they are most likely not carriers of CTVT.
If your dog hasn’t been spayed or neutered, it might be a good idea to get them fixed. There is a lot of debate about the best age to do this and the pros and cons, but reducing their incentive to roam for their mates, plus protecting them from reproductive tract infections, are two big pluses.
CTVT has been on the rise in the UK over the past few years, and researchers suspect it’s because more people have adopted their dogs from other countries.
Where is CTVT most prevalent?
If you are traveling abroad with your dog, yes, you may need to worry about protecting them from CTVT. In the chart below, you can see where cancer is most prevalent.
CTVT is endemic in 90 countries and is present in more than 1% of canines in 30 of these countries.
If you live in or travel to an area where CTVT is prevalent, take extra care to prevent your dog from interacting with free-roaming dogs.
Are male dogs more prone to CTVT?
Many current headlines say that male dogs are four times more likely to have CTVT. This can be misleading.
Male and female dogs are equally likely to develop CTVT.
Cancer usually affects the genitals, although it can cause tumors in the mouth and nose in a small number of cases.
Male dogs are more likely than female dogs to lick and sniff the genitals of other dogs. As a result, they were four times more likely to develop CTVT than women, but overall, they were only as likely to develop CTVT genital tumors.
Symptoms of CTVT
In both male and female dogs with CTVT, early symptoms often include licking or chewing of the genitals. The skin may thicken or have an abnormal appearance. There may be a swollen, bumpy, textured tumor that may bleed.
How does CTVT affect dogs?
Dogs with CTVT have live cancer cells on their external genitalia that can be transplanted into another dog’s body through close contact.
It is not known whether CTVT is contagious only when there are obvious tumors or lesions on the dog’s genitals. Of course, dogs are curious, so they may even be more likely to investigate dogs with cancerous lesions.
Some good news: Only 0-5% of cases metastasize to other parts of the body.
CTVT responds well to chemotherapy. Almost all cases are treatable, and the cancer usually does not spread.
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As a dog mom to Matilda and Cow, she spends most of her time walking long distances and practicing new tricks, trying to make the most of a small portion of her bed most nights.
You’ll also find her baking bread and homemade pizza, laughing, painting and shopping.
