Short lifespans
- Thread starter Catsi
- Start date
A lot of the time, it's health related. Cardiac disease, bone and other cancers and bloat are common killers in giant breeds. Take a look at this...
http://ddbsa.org/Health/Cause of Death/CauseofdeathResults.htm
http://ddbsa.org/Health/Cause of Death/CauseofdeathResults.htm
Something interesting from this link that I searched after reading something similar in a new book:
http://www.insidescience.org/content/large-dogs-age-faster-die-younger/953
"One intriguing clue, gleaned from previous studies, is that small dogs have lower concentrations of the growth hormone IGF-1, or insulin-like growth factor 1, in their blood than large dogs.
High levels of IGF-1 has been shown in a wide variety of organisms, including humans, to be associated with increased risk of death from age-related diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Conversely, manipulations that lower IGF-1 levels in many animal species slow their rates of aging, reduce the risks of age-related disease and extend their lifespans."
http://www.insidescience.org/content/large-dogs-age-faster-die-younger/953
"One intriguing clue, gleaned from previous studies, is that small dogs have lower concentrations of the growth hormone IGF-1, or insulin-like growth factor 1, in their blood than large dogs.
High levels of IGF-1 has been shown in a wide variety of organisms, including humans, to be associated with increased risk of death from age-related diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Conversely, manipulations that lower IGF-1 levels in many animal species slow their rates of aging, reduce the risks of age-related disease and extend their lifespans."