Canine transmissible venereal tumour - CTVT

  • Thread starter Astronuc
  • Start date
  • #1
Astronuc
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
2023 Award
22,004
6,565
https://www.wired.com/story/how-a-6000-year-old-dog-cancer-spread-around-the-world/
How a 6,000-Year-Old Dog Cancer Spread Around the World
A massive collection of dog tumor samples is revealing the secrets of a contagious, parasite-like cancer that could help explain human cancers too.https://www.cam.ac.uk/stories/canine-cancer
The curious tale of the cancer ‘parasite’ that sailed the seas

A contagious canine cancer conquered the world by spreading between dogs during mating. Scientists believe it arose around 6,000 years ago in Asia and spread around the globe through maritime activities.

Canine transmissible venereal tumour’ is a cancer that spreads between dogs through the transfer of living cancer cells, primarily during mating. The disease usually manifests as genital tumours in both male and female domestic dogs. It first arose in an individual dog, but survived beyond the death of the original dog by spreading to new dogs. The cancer is now found in dog populations worldwide, and is the oldest and most prolific cancer lineage known in nature.
I've had dogs and cats, and while I've heard of various viruses (e.g., parvo, . . . ) and cancers, I've never heard of CTVT before until now.

The Wired article has a discussion of a cancer spread by clams and mussels of which I was not aware.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
  • #2
There is also a similar cancer of Tasmanian Devils.
It grows on their faces and is spread by cell transfer when they bite each others faces (something Tasmanian devils do a lot of apparently).
 

Related to Canine transmissible venereal tumour - CTVT

What is Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour (CTVT)?

Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour (CTVT) is a contagious cancer that affects dogs. It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact but can also spread through licking, biting, or sniffing the tumor-affected areas. The disease manifests as tumors on the external genitalia but can also appear on other mucous membranes and skin.

How is CTVT transmitted between dogs?

CTVT is mainly transmitted through direct contact with the tumor cells, which typically occurs during mating. However, the disease can also spread through other forms of close physical contact, such as licking or biting the affected areas, or even through sniffing the tumor cells.

What are the symptoms of CTVT in dogs?

The primary symptoms of CTVT include the presence of visible tumors on the genitalia, but tumors can also appear on other mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose, and eyes. Additional symptoms may include bleeding, discharge, and discomfort in the affected areas. In advanced cases, the dog may experience weight loss and general malaise.

How is CTVT diagnosed?

CTVT is diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination and laboratory tests. Veterinarians typically perform a physical examination to check for visible tumors and may take a biopsy of the tumor tissue for histopathological analysis. Additional diagnostic tools such as cytology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular tests may also be used to confirm the diagnosis.

What treatment options are available for CTVT?

Treatment options for CTVT include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is the most common and effective treatment, with drugs such as vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin showing good results. Surgical removal of the tumors may be considered if they are localized and accessible. Radiation therapy is another option, particularly in cases where chemotherapy is not effective or feasible.

Similar threads

Contagious Cancers in Tasmanian Devils, Dogs, Clams & Mussels
    • Biology and Medical
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top