So I want to adopt an ex-racer but I keep hearing all of these horror stories. People adopt them and within a year or two the dogs get bone cancer and die.
So is it very common for these dogs to get bone cancer? If so, I will not bother getting one. I want a dog that will live a long time not just 2 or 3 years.
2007-08-04 15:39:18 · 8 answers · asked by Ambie 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I've had my greys for almost 7 years and guess what?!?! - no signs of cancer!!! Out of the dozens and dozens of greys I've gotten to know over the years, there's been 1 who's gotten cancer and she was 10 when she got it.
But if you don't want to risk adopting a dog who might get sick, you're absolutely right - don't bother.
2007-08-04 15:53:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure who you're hearing these stories from. As far as I know, greyhounds are no more prone to bone cancer (or any other type of cancer for that matter) than any other breed. Anything is possible and there is always a chance that a healthy dog will become ill with some horrible illness. But I would not say that it's common. Since most retired racers are fairly young (less then 5 years old for sure) you should expect to commit the next 10 years or so to caring for one.
2007-08-04 17:05:17 · answer #2 · answered by ainawgsd 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it says something about greyhounds - that nothing else kills them first! I've seen lots of dogs with osteosarcmoa but I've yet to see a greyhound with it. I think the incidence of the disease would be the same both sides of the Atlantic, but I'd have to go check that up. It doesn't really depend on anything but the breed - and as you correctly said we see it mainly in older, large breed dogs, and it occurs mainly on the legs. Whether the dog was a racer or not doesn't appear to make a difference. I would go ahead and adopt her. Letus know how you get on! I'd love to adopt an ex-racer as soon as I can afford a dog!
2016-05-18 02:42:03 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Large breed dogs are more prone to bone cancer, but I wouldn't call it "common". I do know of one greyhound that has bone cancer, but the rest died of other old age complications. The ones I know tend to live 12-14 years.
2007-08-04 15:43:49 · answer #4 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
WOW!!!! You must be a great person. God forbid some dog up & die on you & mess up your life.
50% of "house pets" get cancer. It has nothing to do with greyhounds! ALL pets can have $$ vet bills!!! That comes with owning a pet!!!
I agree with walkinglady If you don't want to risk adopting a dog who might get sick, don't bother. The dog doesn't NEED YOU! You sound like all the people who dump their pets after they get bored with them.
Maybe you should go back to your cat hunting questions.
2007-08-04 19:04:29 · answer #5 · answered by stormy 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Cancer can happen to any breed. There are some breeds that it is more common in. Friends of mine have a Greyhound and it doesn't have cancer. Try researching if it is one of the common ailments in the breed. Then make your decision. Just keep in mind every breed has it's issues. For instance in Dalmatians, they are more prone to be deaf or develop kidney stones. You need to research your breed. Collies can have eye issues. So research research research.
2007-08-04 15:49:28 · answer #6 · answered by Trish 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Bone cancer IS more prevalent in greyhounds than other breeds. I am not sure where some of you are getting your information from. I know of greyhounds that get the cancer as young as 4 years old, and many others that do not get it until 12 or so. Mine passed at 9.5 years of age with it. I belong to greyhound groups and know of many instances where their beloved pets die from bone cancer. But guess what? They love the breed SO much they get another, and another....because the greyhounds are amazing dogs and so worth the pain you may experience when they pass. Don't be afraid of stories that they all seem to die young. That part isn't true. But, they do frequently die from bone cancer. I suppose other breeds die from other things. Any time you get a pet you have no idea what you are getting. You just love them, enjoy them and let them love on you too. I will be getting another soon because I care about their need to be rescued. I didn't just get a pet for my sake....I got a pet for their sake too. I look at it this way.....my sweet girl would have died at age 3 if no one rescued her. I gave her 6.5 more years and she gave me love that will last a life time :)
2017-02-08 17:02:39 · answer #7 · answered by Peggy B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cancer can happen in any breed at any age. It is the same with us. Any race, any age. Cancer does not target specific races or breeds.
2007-08-04 15:44:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋