349: Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer in the Golden Retriever
Grant Status: Closed
Abstract
We have collected pedigrees from Golden Retrievers with cancer and constructed a large pedigree map of the affected dogs. As reported in the 1998 GRCA National Health Survey, the most common tumors have been lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma as well as other soft tissue sarcomas. These were aggressive cancers and many occurred at a young age. These are clinical indicators of a possible genetic predisposition. We propose to conduct a statistical evaluation known as segregation analysis to determine a possible pattern of inheritance. Additionally, we will gather epidemiological data through owner questionnaires to evaluate the role of environmental and socioeconomic factors in the diagnosis of these cancers. There is great concern amongst breeders concerning non-genetic factors such as diet, vaccinations, passive smoking, flea and tick control, and stress and their role in developing cancer. Another question is whether the overall high incidence is related to the owners' financial ability and willingness to diagnose and treat. Blood and tissue samples have been and will continue to be collected from affected and unaffected relatives and will be made available to investigators conducting DNA based analyses.
Publication(s)
None at this time.
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