This study, published in Scientific Reports, investigates the incidence and risk factors for insulinoma, a type of pancreatic cancer, in dogs. Utilizing a large dataset from UK veterinary practices, researchers identified specific breeds with significantly higher or lower risks. Factors like age, sex, and body weight also played a crucial role. These findings not only provide valuable insights for veterinarians but also contribute to a better understanding of canine and potentially human cancers.

This research, conducted in the UK, analyzed veterinary records of over 2 million dogs to determine the incidence and risk factors for insulinoma, a type of pancreatic cancer common in dogs.

Key Findings:

• Breed Predisposition:

  • Several breeds showed increased risk, including Dogue de Bordeaux, German Pointers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, and Boxers.

  • West Highland White Terriers and English Springer Spaniels were also identified as high-risk breeds.

  • Surprisingly, Labrador Retrievers showed a decreased risk.

• Other Risk Factors:

  • Female neutered dogs had higher odds of developing insulinoma.

  • Age played a significant role, with dogs aged 9-15 years having the highest risk.

  • Dogs with a median adult bodyweight above average for their breed also showed increased risk.

• Potential for Human Relevance:

  • The study highlights the importance of breed-specific risk factors and may contribute to a better understanding of pancreatic cancer in both dogs and humans.

  • Research into the genetic factors underlying these breed predispositions could offer valuable insights into cancer development in general.

Limitations:

• The study relied on electronic health records, which can have limitations in data accuracy and completeness.

• The study population may not be fully representative of the entire UK dog population.

• The study did not account for all potential environmental and lifestyle factors that could influence cancer risk.

In Conclusion:

This research provides valuable insights into the epidemiology of canine insulinoma. The identified risk factors can help veterinarians better identify dogs at higher risk and improve early diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the study contributes to a growing body of knowledge that can inform future research into cancer prevention and treatment in both dogs and humans.

Read full article here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-86782-6