Canine transmissible venereal tumour - CTVT

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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.
 
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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).
 

What is Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour (CTVT)?

Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour (CTVT), also known as Sticker’s sarcoma, is a histiocytic tumor of the external genitalia of the dog and other canids that is transmitted from animal to animal during mating. It is one of the few known naturally occurring transmissible cancers, which means that the cancer cells themselves can be transmitted from one dog to another through direct contact with the tumors during mating.

How is CTVT transmitted among dogs?

CTVT is primarily transmitted through direct contact with the tumor cells during mating. The tumor affects the external genitalia, and the cancer cells can be transferred to another dog when these areas come into contact. It can also be transmitted through licking, biting, or sniffing tumor-affected areas.

What are the symptoms of CTVT in dogs?

The most common symptoms of CTVT include visible tumors on the genitalia, which may appear as small, wart-like growths that can grow and become ulcerated. Other symptoms might include bleeding from the affected areas, a foul-smelling discharge, and difficulty urinating or defecating if the tumors are large or located near the urethra or rectum.

How is CTVT diagnosed and treated?

CTVT is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and cytological evaluation of the tumor. A veterinarian may perform a biopsy or fine needle aspiration to examine the cells under a microscope. Treatment typically involves chemotherapy, which is highly effective. Surgical removal of the tumors can also be considered, especially in cases where the tumors are causing significant discomfort or functional problems.

Can CTVT be prevented?

Preventing CTVT primarily involves controlling the contact that your dog has with other dogs, especially in environments where the disease is known to be present. Neutering dogs can reduce the likelihood of the disease spreading, as it decreases the instances of mating and thus the transfer of the tumor cells. There is no vaccine currently available for CTVT, so managing exposure and early treatment upon detection are key.

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