A recent study in the Purdue Institute of Cancer Research focused on the environmental factors and causes of bladder cancer. A certain number of breeds are genetically more prone to bladder cancer. The study suggested that bladder cancer is linked to the smoking habits of the owners.
Canine urothelial carcinoma is a deadly metastatic cancer, though anti-cancerous medication has improved a lot over the years. Genetically, there is a 20 times higher risk of bladder cancer in the Scottish terrier, whereas urothelial carcinoma is 6 times higher in Shetland and beagles.
The Results
The researchers focused on the Scottish terrier due to its high risk of cancer. They explored different host and environmental factors contributing to this occurrence in the Scottish terrier. Their study found that bladder cancer was 6 times more common in those dogs who were being kept in households where smoking cigarettes was common. As suggested by the study, food intake and its components were less likely to affect the cause of the cancer.
This study suggested dog’s owner to not smoke to lower the chance of cancer in the dogs. In previous studies, human smokers have a higher chance of bladder cancer than non-smokers. Smoke contains carcinogens filtered through the kidneys and bladder, which cause inflammation. Insecticide usage and city environmental pollution also contribute to the risk of cancer.
The study encouraged owner to focus on following things in order to reduce the bladder cancer
- Lawn chemicals,
- Older types of flea control products,
- Cigarette smoke,
- Feed vegetables
