What 3,044 Golden Retrievers Are Teaching Us About Cancer and Other Canine Diseases

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is a groundbreaking research initiative spearheaded by the Morris Animal Foundation, aimed at understanding the genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and nutritional factors that contribute to cancer and other diseases in dogs. Launched in 2012, it is one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted in veterinary medicine, following over 3,000 Golden Retrievers throughout their lifetimes.

The study cost is roughly $32 million and counting. This study focused on cancer initially as the incidence for cancer in Golden Retrievers was noted at 60%. With the help of Betty White, Morris Animal Foundation enrolled 3,044 dogs, with 2,778 pet owners participating. With over 500,000 individual biological collection samples, here are some of the results and contributions so far.

Key Findings and Research Contributions:

1. Cancer Risk and Incidence: The study has focused heavily on cancer, which is the leading cause of death among Golden Retrievers. Specifically, it tracks four major cancers: hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, high-grade mast cell tumor, and osteosarcoma. So far, cancer accounts for 75% of the deaths in the study's cohort, with hemangiosarcoma being the most common.

   
   

2. Genetic and Environmental Insights: Researchers have identified significant genetic and environmental factors that influence the development of these cancers. For example, studies have looked at the relationship between environmental pollutants and lymphoma, though no direct link has yet been established. Other research focuses on genetic predispositions, such as how inbreeding might affect health outcomes like fertility and cancer susceptibility. Just like there are genetic testing today for breast cancer in women, looking at the BRCA genes, the hope is to develop similar genetic testing for dogs to help give the owners information early on in the dogs like what potential diseases the dog could be suspectable to for screening and ideally prevention.

   
   

3. Health Beyond Cancer: While cancer is a primary focus, the study also provides insights into other health issues. For instance, recent research has delved into the cognitive and orthopedic changes in aging Golden Retrievers, as well as the impact of diet and obesity on overall health.

   
   

   One of the earliest findings so far is that of the risk of orthopedic issues in large breed dogs and what age they were spayed or neutered. Those dogs spayed or neutered before six months of age had a higher incidence of orthopedic issues later in life, meaning it may be best to spay or neuter dogs after six months of age to help prevent these issues. This may be due to losing specific hormones that aid in development of tendon and ligament integrity and muscle strength during the development phase for these dogs. There is also a hypothesis that early spay or neuter affects the growth plate closure which can impact the joints.

   
   

   Additionally, data from the study is being used to fuel a whole host of new studies including a study looking at Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, which is similar to Alzheimer's in humans.

   
   

4. Human Health Implications: The study not only advances veterinary knowledge but also has potential implications for human health. The data collected could help researchers understand similar diseases in humans, given the shared environments and genetic similarities between dogs and people. For example, the biological behavior of osteosarcoma is identical in dogs and children.

Impact and Future Directions:

Sadly, over 550 dogs have passed away from the study as most Golden Retrievers lifespan is 10 to 12 years old. However, the study's ongoing collection of data and biological samples continue to fuel new research and publications, with the aim of improving diagnostics, treatments, and preventive measures for canine diseases. The Morris Animal Foundation's commitment to this study reflects a broader mission to enhance animal health and well-being globally.

As the study progresses, it will likely produce even more valuable insights that could revolutionize both veterinary and human medicine, especially in the fields of oncology and genetic research.

For more information about the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, you can visit the Morris Animal Foundation website.