Contagious cancer in dogs returns to UK after 50 years - the six symptoms

Contagious cancer in dogs returns to UK after 50 years - the six symptoms Veterinary experts are urging owners not to panic, sharing the key warning signs and four simple steps to protect their pets A rare, contagious form of dog cancer has been confirmed to be spreading within the UK for the first time in over half a century. prompting urgent warnings from veterinary experts. Many cases are linked to imported dogs from Eastern Europe. Researchers at the University of Cambridge have appealed to British vets and dog owners to stay vigilant following the return of canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT). While a handful of isolated cases have appeared in Britain over the decades, experts have now confirmed active, dog-to-dog transmission is circulating in the UK. Unlike typical cancers that develop inside a single animal's body, CTVT is one of only a few known contagious cancers in the world. It spreads directly from one dog to another through the transfer of living cancer cells. Most commonly, it passes between dogs during mating. However, it can also spread through close physical contact such as sniffing, licking, or biting infected areas. Why did it disappear, and why is it back? CTVT was once common in Britain during the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, it was effectively wiped out in the UK over 50 years ago. Strict dog control laws, the elimination of free-roaming stray populations, and widespread neutering stopped the disease from circulating. Today, its return is believed to be closely linked to the growing number of rescue dogs being imported into the UK from abroad. CTVT remains widespread in parts of Eastern Europe and other regions with large stray dog populations. Because current UK border and import checks do not screen for this specific cancer, infected dogs can enter the country unnoticed and pass the disease on to local pets. Because CTVT has been absent from Britain for decades, most practising UK vets have never seen a case in person. To prevent misdiagnosis and track the spread of the disease, the University of Cambridge Transmissible Cancer Group has launched a national pilot study. Through this programme, vets across the country can send tissue samples to Cambridge for free specialised PCR testing to quickly confirm suspected cases. Signs to look out for Dog owners are advised to monitor their pets closely, especially if their dog was adopted from abroad or regularly mixes with imported rescue dogs. The primary symptoms of CTVT include: - Red, fleshy, or cauliflower-like lumps around the genital area that bleed or crumble easily. - Bloody discharge from the genitals. - Unusual growths or swelling around the nose, mouth, or face, which can occur if the cancer spreads via sniffing or licking. - Problems peeing, as CTVT can make it difficult for dogs to urinate. - Excessive licking of the genital area - Swelling around the genitals Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings Can it be treated? Veterinary experts stress that CTVT is highly treatable. Unlike many other cancers, it rarely spreads to internal organs and responds exceptionally well to a standard chemotherapy drug called vincristine. The vast majority of healthy dogs make a full recovery. Vet Dr Joanna Woodnutt from pet insurer ManyPets says owners shouldn't panic, because the disease is rare, treatable and the symptoms are usually easy to spot. She said: "We know it’s worrying to hear the word cancer, but CTVT has a good prognosis if it’s caught early. The key thing is to know what to look for and to get your dog to a vet as soon as possible if you notice anything unusual." With prompt veterinary care, the vast majority of healthy dogs make a complete recovery. If you spot any unusual lumps or bleeding on your dog, contact your vet promptly and make sure to share any history of foreign travel or rescue adoption. Dr Woodnutt added: "Vets usually treat CTVT with chemotherapy, and most dogs respond well. The Transmissible Cancer Group at the University of Cambridge is offering free testing to vets across the UK, so if you’re worried, speak to your vet." She also warned that some signs are less obvious and could be confused with other illnesses. "Bad breath, dental problems, frequent sneezing, nosebleeds, facial swelling and sores or ulcers on the skin can all be linked to CTVT," she said. "These symptoms are common in lots of conditions, so your vet will be able to work out whether CTVT is the cause or something else is going on." How to protect your dog Dr Woodnutt shared four simple steps owners can take to cut the risk: - Keep them on a lead: limit unsupervised time outdoors and keep dogs on a lead when out and about - Consider neutering or spaying: this can reduce a dog’s urge to mate, which is the main way CTVT spreads - Get pre-breeding checks: ask your vet for a genital exam before breeding your dog - Keep up with routine check-ups: these give your vet the best chance of spotting problems early She said: "If you’ve recently adopted a dog from abroad, it’s worth mentioning this to your vet at their next check-up. Catching it early makes all the difference."