Updated March 16, 2010
- Genetic Lymphoma Study for the Dogue de Bordeaux -
Taking DDB Health to a New Level
We are entering some very exciting times in canine health research, in
particular canine cancer research. Recently human cancer researchers and
geneticists have recognized that the dog serves as a good model for
investigating cancer in humans. Sadly, dogs get some of the same cancers that
humans get; however, they differ from humans in that their rate of cancer is
much higher, while their gene pool is much smaller. With these differences in
mind, it is thought that the genetic changes noted in canine cancers may allow
us to find similar changes in humans more rapidly. This cross-species genetic
comparison in hoped to lead to the recognition of specific gene mutations,
diagnostic tests and individualized patient therapy.
As a result of the economic stimulus package, one of the
largest research grants in the history of veterinary medicine has recently been
awarded. This grant will allow for a very large collaboration between veterinary
and human researchers investigating health conditions common to dog and man. The
major recipient of this grant is the Van Andel Institute (VAI) and its various
human and veterinary medical collaborators, who will being working together to
obtain DNA samples for genetic analysis. At the moment thousands of DNA samples
are needed to start investigating diseases common to man and pure bred dogs.
Diseases of particular interest include: lymphoma, malignant melanoma,
hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma and histiocytic sarcoma. In addition to these
cancerous conditions, samples are also being evaluated for other health and
behavioral conditions.
Why should you care?
Many of the disease conditions being evaluated through toe VAI project, called
the Canine Hereditary Cancer Consortium, have been noted in the DDB.
Participation in this study may allow us to address and characterize the health
issues in our breed much faster than is currently possible, as these
researchers are utilizing genetic technologies which until now have been cost
prohibitive in veterinary medicine. Having a research group ready and willing
to characterize our Dogues is a HUGE gift. While the VAI is accepting DNA
samples from all pure bred dogs, it is in our dogues best interest to
participate as quickly as possible, as samples are analyzed for genetic patterns
associated with disease on a first-come first-serve basis. Since our breed
numbers are so small compared to many others (for example Labradors), we are
able to submit fewer samples than other breeds yet have a larger impact. The new
blood samples we submit will allow the researchers to do a genome-wide analysis
comparing the DDB and other breeds to the human genome, in hopes of locating the
genes responsible for specific cancers and other health conditions.
How to participate
This year our breed clubs’ participation goal is to send in 300 DDB blood
samples from healthy registered Dogue de Bordeaux. Blood samples taken at last
year’ National show cannot be used, per last years consent form. Second, all
newly diagnosed dogues with cancer can have a sample their fresh tumors sent to
VAI for banking and analysis. All samples sent in are stored confidentially at
VAI, only accessible with identification on a restricted basis. Full details
and consent forms are located at
www.vai.org/helpingdogs Sample submission has already started. For those
of you attending our national show, I will be attending and collecting blood
samples free of charge.
DDB Lymphoma Project
With the above VAI genetic studies starting, the DDB lymphoma study is now in a
position to be even stronger. The genetic evaluation of new samples, in addition
to the clinical information for each dogue, will allow for a thorough review of
lymphoma in our breed. If your dogue is even suspected to have lymphoma during
the next two years, please call me to arrange sample submission 702-875-2170
or use the instructions provided at the VAI website above. If your
dogue has died from lymphoma you can still participate in the study, as biopsy
samples are stored by most labs for 5-7 years. This year our goal is to get 20
fresh samples from dogues newly diagnosed with lymphoma.
Dr. MJ Hamilton, DVM, MSU
Oncology Resident
drmjhamilton@gmail.com
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