December 29, 2003 – Harmful to those around smokers, second-hand smoke? Yes of course. But it would also have a serious effect on the health of … pets.
Three studies published in recent years suggest that Pitou and Minou are more at risk of suffering from cancer if their owner smokes. The first of these studies1, conducted in 1992, found that exposure to second-hand smoke increased a dog’s risk of developing lung cancer by 60%. This risk was even higher if it was a dog with a short muzzle, such as a pug or a poodle.
Then, in 1998, researchers discovered2 that long-nosed dogs, like collies and labradors, were twice as likely to get nasal cancer if they lived with smokers. Scientists believe that carcinogens get stuck in the muzzle, increasing the risk of cancer.
Finally, a study published last year3 reveals that cats exposed to secondhand smoke are three times more likely to develop lymphoma, the most common form of feline cancer. This finding is the most surprising of the bunch, since scientists believe lymphoma is caused by a virus and similar cancers in humans are unrelated to second-hand smoke.
Cats are particularly at risk because their fur captures carcinogenic particles, particles which are then ingested when the cat grooms itself.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
From New York Times; December 9, 2003.
1. JS Reif, K Dunn, GK Ogilvie and CK Harris. Passive smoking and canine lung cancer risk.Am J Epidemiol 1992 Vol 135, Issue 3 234-239.
2. JS Reif, C Bruns and KS Lower. Cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in pet dogs.Am J Epidemiol 1998 Vol 147, Issue 5 488-492.
3. Bertone ER, Snyder LA, Moore AS. Environmental tobacco smoke and risk of malignant lymphoma in pet cats.Am J Epidemiol 2002 Aug 1; 156 (3): 268-73.
