Lymphoma is a common and deadly cancer in dogs, and Boxers are one of several high-risk breeds. While breed-related risk for canine lymphoma is likely inherited, there is also epidemiologic evidence for environmental and potentially modifiable risk. Lymphoma correlates with areas of higher industrial activity in both humans and dogs, but the specific chemicals putting dogs at risk are not understood. Previous studies have reported epidemiologic associations between canine lymphoma and air pollution, herbicides, and chemical solvents. Investigators recently found that lymphoma in Boxers was associated with living within 2 miles of a chemical supplier or an active crematorium. This study will use direct environmental and urine monitoring to evaluate exposures to several high-risk chemicals in dogs with lymphoma and compare them to unaffected matched controls. While a single breed study will decrease bias from inherited risk factors and possible breed-associated differences in chemical disposition, successful completion of these aims may support evidence-based avoidance or remediation recommendations to owners of Boxers and may be generalizable to other breeds at high risk for lymphoma.

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