Genetic similarities between dogs and people are helping cancer research
Genetic similarities between canines and humans may provide clues to treat disease more effectively
are the oldest domesticated animal, working alongside humans for thousands of years — so it's no surprise that man's best friend and humans share so many unique qualities.
But the more we learn about our pet companions, the more scientists realize that we are more like our dogs than we know.
"The genetic difference between humans and dogs is quite small," said Dr. Rodney Page, professor of medical oncology and director of the Flint Animal Cancer Center. "Humans and dogs are 95 percent identical genetically — and the diseases that affect humansincluding breast cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma are almost identical."