An hypothesis for the aetiology of canine chemoreceptor system neoplasms, based upon an epidemiological study of 73 cases among hospital patients

Of 250, 000 dogs seen by twelve United States and Canadian veterinary‐college hospital/clinics, seventy‐three dogs were identified with chemo‐dectomas. The Boxer and Boston Terrier breeds had significantly higher risk for the tumour than all breeds combined; excessive risk was detected in all male dogs combined and in male dogs 10 years of age and older‐ especially in Boston Terriers. A familial predisposition aggravated by chronic hypoxia are suggested as possible aetiological factors responsible for the excessive risk in bulldog breeds.