I have two male Poodles, a miniature and a toy both are 9 and 10 years old. The toy was adopted 4 yrs ago, the mini I have had since he was a pup. Recently that is to say within the last month, the toy has been diagnosed with B Cell Lymphoma of the intestinal tract and I have just admitted the Mini to Red Bank Vetererinary Hospital here in New Jersey for what appears to be either prosthetitis or possible prostate cancer. Neither have been exposed to any carcinogens and these issues have come upon them very suddenly. Has anyone else heard of this happening in other dogs in the recent past? It seems strange that in less than 1 month both of my dogs should suddenly develop symptoms that were not present in their last vet visits in March and May of 2008? Any assistance would be appreciated.

I'm sorry your boys are so ill right now.  Illnesses such as you have described are becoming more and more common in dogs - it is thought that environmental factors, feeding and vaccinations are playing a much bigger role than the breeding.  I am certain that vaccinations and overuse of steroids is the cause of my mum's poodles problems (both mins of 9 years).  In the UK though I believe our dog food and vaccination procedures are very different to the US.  What are your vets suggesting may be the cause of these problems?

If your two dogs were young than it would be suspicious.  Unfortunately, given the age of your dogs and the fact that cancer is common in dogs, especially elderly dogs, it looks more like a heartbreaking coincidence.