Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Update - Year Five. by Elizabeth F. Baird, DVM, CVPP, CCRT, cVMA
The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study (GRLS) was launched five years ago with an impressive goal – to collect samples and data on 3,000+ Golden Retrievers throughout their lifetimes and use this data to identify the environmental, nutritional an genetic risk factors for cancer. It started as a casual conversation between Bette Morris, the wife
of the late Dr. Mark Morris, Jr, whose parents founded the Morris Animal Foundation and Dr. Rod Page, the director of the Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University. The idea quickly took off with the support from the scientific board of the
and non-traumatic rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (a common orthopedic disease). Further analysis as more data is collected will hopefully provide more clarity on this. As the 3,000+ cohort ages, there will be additional data points observed to clarify these possible associations. A nested study has begun within the larger study to
examine the microbiomes (the bacterial communities) that reside in the gut. In humans, these intestinal microbiomes can be associated with obesity, diabetes and allergies. The initial findings suggest that there may be some differences in the ratios of bacteria when over- weight dogs and normal weight dogs are compared. The team plans to study additional samples within the cohort to improve our under- standing of the microbiomes and health in dogs. We can anticipate large amounts of data analysis over the next
five years with far more clarity regarding the links between certain conditions and disease. While some of the data may be particularly relevant to the Golden Retriever breed, it is expected that many of the associations and conclusions drawn will help us better understand the environmental, nutritional, lifestyle and genetic risk factors in all breeds of dogs, particularly in the association of these risk factors and cancer. While it was inevitable that a lifetime study would involve loss
Dr. Elizabeth F. Baird with KeevaRue and Stitch.
Morris Animal Foundation and a pilot study launched in 2012, with the goal to enroll 3000 dogs across the continental U.S. The 3,044 dogs originally enrolled in the study are called heroes and their canine counterparts at home are “study supporters,” many of whom are also Golden Retrievers. Full enrollment in the GRLS was reached by February of 2015
and 98 percent remain enrolled in the study, a feat in and of itself for a study of this magnitude. It is the largest, and longest, observational study ever attempted, to date, on veterinary subjects. As the study celebrates its five year anniversary, the GRLS team
has begun early data analysis, presenting preliminary results and gear- ing up for scientific papers and additional studies as well as tangential research that may evolve from the original data. The preliminary evidence suggests there is an association
between the age of neuter and certain health outcomes, particularly obesity and orthopedic disease. Dr. Missy Simpson, Study Epidemiologist, has conducted analyses and the early data suggests a possible link between the age of spay/neuter
62 THE NEW BARKER
and sorrow, we did not expect it quite so early in this journey. We have already lost more than 50 young, beloved heroes – many to cancer. The study participants, the GRLS staff and the many supporters of this seminal work share our sympathy and the grief of the owners who lost their heroes far too soon. From Cali to Peaches to Gatsby and all the others, we send our love over the Rainbow Bridge and thank you and your families for helping with this impor- tant study. Hopefully we will learn how to prevent such untimely deaths in our friends and those who will follow. A special hug for your families comes from us. Keeva Rue, hero #707, and her father and study supporter, Stitch, send their Golden best.
U
Quick Facts about the GRLS heroes Average age >> 4.2 years Youngest >> 2 years old Oldest >> 7 years old 10% Urban, 30% Rural, 60% Suburban Mortalities >> 51 Cancer Deaths >> 18 You may help support this ground breaking study by donating to the Morris Animal Foundation and the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. To learn more, please visit
https://www.caninelifetimehealth.org/
Elizabeth F. Baird, DVM, CVPP, CCRT, cVMA may be reached at Country Oaks Animal Hospital and Steele Pain Mangement & Rehabilitation Center for Animals, 1412 Belcher Road Palm Harbor, Florida 34683. 727.785.6524
www.TheNewBarker.com
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