Chow Chows are 10-20 times more likely to develop stomach cancer (gastric carcinoma) compared to dogs of other breeds. This cancer is very difficult to diagnose and is almost always fatal. Studies suggest that this cancer is caused, at least in part, by a faulty gene or genes. Although human studies suggest several candidate genes, none explain the disease in dogs. The researchers have now established a DNA bank for Chow Chows and related breeds.

The researchers are using new genomic tools, which allow them to question the genome of many dogs simultaneously at 127,000 points in the genome. Looking for differences in DNA variation between affected and unaffected dogs should allows them to identify the region of the genome carrying the causative gene. Additional studies will pinpoint the precise DNA variant causing the disease. These studies are critical for developing effective ways to prevent and treat this devastating cancer in Chows well as other “at risk” breeds.