Celebrating the Breakthroughs Shaping the Future of Canine Health. Meet the 2025 Canine Health Discovery Award Finalists.

1 min read Grant Period: January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027 Active Grant

03483-A: Identification of genetic risk factors underlying canine gastric cancer intestinal and diffuse tumor subtypes

This research focuses on gastric cancer, a disease with no effective treatments in dogs. Belgian Tervuren and Sheepdogs are commonly diagnosed between 8–10 years of age, shortening their lifespan by approximately six years. Our goal is to identify the genetic basis of this cancer and its two tumor subtypes, which could have a big impact by leading to a genetic test to identify dogs at high risk. This test would support early screening and diagnosis, inform breeding decisions, and reduce disease frequency over time. Understanding the molecular mechanisms could also lead to improved therapies in the long-term.