Lymphoma cancer

Question
My 5 1/2 year old Standard poodle was diagnosed yesterday with Lymphoma Cancer, is this common is poodles? Is it covered in my Breeders contract? Would it be considered a inherited disease?

Answer
Hello Yvonne,
This would be something you would need to talk over with the Breeder, to see if any of their dogs have been diagnosed with Cancer before.  You should have the Vets diagnosis as proof that your dog has cancer, but this may not be enough to get a refund puppy from the breeder if their dogs don't have a history of Cancer in that line.

Try to get a statement from your Vet saying that it was cancer and the chances of a dog getting this as an inherited disease.  If your Vet feels that your dog could have gotten this as an inherited disease, this could be grounds for a puppy replacement.  Your breeders contract could cover it if it said anything about your puppy being free from any inherited diseases or genetic health problems; though again the breeders line would have to show that there was cancer in their background.  

Cancer can be caused by many different factors, one being enviormental or lifestyle.  The ingredients in the foods we feed our dogs, because of what is being fed to the processed animals, can affect our dogs health.  Pesticides, yard sprays, and other chemicals that our dogs are exposed to can lead to some cancers, as can living in major cities with heavy smog or pollution.  Medications can cause cancer, and even being outside too long in the sun can cause some cancers.  You would have to prove that your dog got the Lymphoma from the parents, and not his enviorment.

You might also ask the Breeder about the other puppies in your dogs litter.  If any of them have a similar diagnosis, then that could be grounds for an inherited disease.  

Other than that, you could check with a lawyer for more advice.  Most will be able to evaluate your case for free, and they could advise you what to do next.

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim