Dachshunds and Cancer: We're Glad to Be at the Bottom of the List

The Wall Street Journal released a great little article yesterday detailing the risks of cancer in various breeds of dogs.  The news isn't great for Goldens, Boxers, Rotties, and Bernese Mountain Dogs, but with our already well-documented IVDD issues, this is one list we're glad to be at the bottom of - not that we are risk-free regardless.  Excerpt from the Wall Street Journal:

Early warning signs include lumps or masses on or under the skin; which could be signs of mass cell tumors; lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in breathing or eating habits that could signal lymphoma; lameness or stiffness could indicate osteosarcoma. But hemangiosarcomas have typically metastasized long before they are detected.

Susceptible Breeds
About 1 in 3 dogs die of cancer, about the same rate as people. Some breeds, however, are more susceptible than others. Here are the breeds with highest to lowest incidences of cancer. (Average life expectancy shown in parentheses.)


Highest Risk
Boxer (10½ years)
Golden retriever (12)
Rottweiler (10)
Bernese mountain dog (8)

High Risk
Boston terrier (13 years)
English bulldog (8)
Scottish terrier (13)
Cocker spaniel (12)

Average Risk
Irish setter (12 years)
Schnauzer (standard 12; miniature 15)
Labrador retriever (12½)
Mixed Breed

Lower Risk
Beagle (13 years)
Poodle (standard 12; miniature 15)
Collie (12)
Dachshund (15 1/2)

Read all of this great little article, including tips on how to prevent your dog from getting cancer at the Wall Street Journal.

Dachshund Tests Epilepsy Drug At Vet School

Meet handsome 4-year-old longhair 'Brentley,' who hails from Cary, North Carolina.  Brentley began suffering seizures last year, and is now taking part in a nationwide study at N.C. State's College of Veterinary Medicine to determine the effectiveness of a new drug to treat the common neurological disorder.  Excerpt from the News Observer:

Dachshunds are among the breeds most likely to have the chronic neurological condition, which is characterized by recurring seizures.

Only one anticonvulsant drug, primidone, is approved for treating the disorder in dogs. . The other option, phenobarbitol, works well for humans, but it isn't approved for dogs. Either drug can cause excessive drowsiness, lack of coordination and, in some instances, toxicity to the liver.

A veterinary pharmaceutical company that the study's administrators declined to name is sponsoring the clinical trial on a new, unnamed dog epilepsy drug, hoping for approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

"This drug has been tested before," said Karen Muñana, a veterinary neurologist at N. C. State and investigator in the trial. "But we still don't know how safe it is in dogs with epilepsy, or really how effective it is."

Several hundred dogs have been enrolled in 30 centers nationwide since the trial began two years ago.

We're so proud of Brentley for taking the lead to fight this disease.  Read more at the News Observer.

Learn About Dachshunds Through Educational Webinars

Congratulations to Dachshund Rescue of Bucks County (Pennsylvania) on their spiffy new website, but that's only part of the story.  New for 2010, DRBC is offering monthly webinars on various topics to keep your Dachshund happy and healthy.  The first one is this Saturday, January 23, 2010, and the topic is Diets & Your Doxie.  Via the website:

Dachshund Rescue of Bucks County & NJ [DRBC] is pleased to offer our 2010 Webinar Series. These on-line workshops are hosted by dachshund experts and are designed to help you have a long and happy relationship with your dog. There is a small donation fee charged for attendance with all proceeds donated to DRBC for the high medical fees incurred in the rescue and rehabilitation of our beloved breed.

Speaker Bio:
Cynthia SM Kura, PhD – Medical Director, Dachshund Rescue of Bucks County & NJ
Cynthia Kura is Medical Director for Dachshund Rescue of Bucks County & NJ [DRBC], and has over 20 years experience addressing the medical problems associated with the dachshund breed. Dr Kura has worked to develop community education programs concerning pet health. She has initiated and managed vaccination clinics and has written medical standards for regional and national pet healthcare groups, which she works to maintain.
Dr. Kura has conducted breed specific research studies in conjunction with major universities and Veterinary Centers to prevent or minimize disk rupture in dachshunds and is currently developing a comprehensive nutritional program designed as an aid to prevention of early kidney failure in the breed.
In her "spare time," Dr. Kura is "owned" by 8 special Dachshunds, who share her life and her home."


To register go to Dachshund Rescue of Bucks County and click on the Webinar Registration Icon to the right of the topic. This will allow you to pay DRBC's Webinar Fee of $10 and register for the event.

There are some great topics planned this year, don't miss them!  Thanks to our friends 'Harley' and 'Chessie' for sending in the link!