Purebred dogs get many of the same tumors that humans do. That similarity has allowed the National Institute of Health’s Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch to perform research on canines with cancer that could yield important discoveries for humans and dogs alike, according to Popular Science.
In addition to the links between human and canine tumors, purebred dogs are also great for cancer research because of the fact of their inbreeding. Dogs of the same breed have incredibly similar genes and the same diseases reappear more regularly.
This fact makes certain breeds more susceptible to certain cancers, but also creates an important tool for research. The treatments currently being tested on purebred canines could one day help humans as well.
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