Dogs with Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) reported in Los Angeles County
The Veterinary Public Health (VPH) Program recently received reports of Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT) in eight dogs in Los Angeles County. Two of the cases reside in Long Beach and were therefore reported to the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services.
The eight TVT cases occurred between 2021 and 2025. All the cases likely became infected before moving to LA County. Specifically, six dogs originated from Mexico, one was from an unstated location in South America, and one was a stray dog from San Diego County. So far TVT does not appear to be spreading in LA County dogs.
The breeds of dogs were highly variable, including a Golden Retriever, Pug, German Shepherd, Shiba Inu, and four mixed-breed dogs of varying sizes. Seven of the cases had urogenital tumors (5 male, 2 female).
One dog had a facial tumor that invaded the bone (initially thought to be an abscess). Five dogs were treated and cured, and one is still undergoing treatment. Treatment and outcome information was not available for 2 dogs.
TVT is a contagious cancer that can spread between dogs. It is most common in parts of the world with high numbers of free-roaming unspayed / unneutered dogs and is very rare in most of North America. TVT does not spread between any other type of animals and does not infect people. TVT is most commonly spread between dogs by sexual contact (mating), and through direct contact with the tumor and abraded skin or mucosal tissue.