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The Morris Animal Foundation announced it is funding a new study aimed at identifying genetic markers that could make a dog more susceptible to hemangiosarcoma, one of the deadliest canine cancers. The study will be conducted at Utrecht University in the Netherlands and will use data from the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.
“Researching the data obtained from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study could lead to the identification of the actual DNA mutations that cause the disease,” said Dr. Kim M. Boerkamp, co- principal investigator of the study, in a press release from the organization.1 “These results could contribute to the development of new treatments against the disease. Additionally, a DNA test could be developed that could be used for breeding dogs to help reduce the incidence of the disease in the population.
According to the press release,1 the study has been tracking the health of more than 3,000 dogs for more than 10 years. Researchers found that the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among study participants was hemangiosarcoma, creating a unique set of data and biological samples. With this data, new research will advance knowledge of this disease.
To learn more and support this initiative, visit the Morris Animal Foundation website.
Reference
The Morris Animal Foundation is funding a study to identify genetic markers for deadly canine cancer. Press release. June 13, 2023. Accessed July 6, 2023. https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/Morris-Animal-Foundation-funded-genetic-research-hemangiosarcoma