Your dog could beat cancer with the help of these Golden Retrievers

By on April 18, 2018

In what’s being called “the most extensive study ever conducted in veterinary medicine,” a ten-year study of more than 3,000 golden retrievers seeks to figure out how future dogs can beat cancer. The Canine Lifetime Health Project from The Morris Animal Foundation, which specializes in veterinary research, started the study in 2012 with a few dozens; the study was opened to the public later.

The goal- to collect as much data as possible in order to find trends, correlations, and, hopefully, links to preventing canine cancer. The Foundation’s Web site states: “The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study will provide unique information that will be accessible to animal health researchers for years to come, enabling them to create a brighter, healthier future for dogs.”

Why golden retrievers? It’s been said that most dogs, if they live long enough, will develop some sort of cancer. Nearly two out of every three goldens get cancer, making the breed among the most frequently affected.

The lifetime study by the Foundation includes frequent vet visits where hair, blood, and even nail clippings are collected. Once complete, the data will go towards identifying cancer risk factors. Genetics, lifestyles, activity levels, food consumed, sterilization status and more will inform researchers in their quest to improve knowledge on the deadly disease. Especially important is the study of tissue in deceased dogs.

A recent KMTV3 News Now article states 23 dogs in the study are in Nebraska; 11 of those are in Omaha.

 

 

 

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