An Update On The Golden Retriever
Lifetime Study by Elizabeth F. Baird, DVM, CVPP, CCRT, cVMA
The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study (GRLS) is an ambitious longitudinal study of over 3,000 Golden Retrievers that is examining many facets of these dogs’ lives to help determine potential factors that influence disease, particularly the
we have many more years to study this cohort of dogs, who currently range from six to nine years of age.
Some early data has been collated, although there may be some adjustments as the population
Dr. Baird, KeevaRue and Stitch.
development of cancer. While the study has many more years to go, some data is already being assessed statistically and some of that early infor- mation is outlined here. About the GRLS: While the study began
Elizabeth F. Baird, DVM, CVPP, CCRT, cVMA is certified in pain management, canine rehabilitation and veterinary medical acupuncture. She is the Practice Owner of Country Oaks Animal Hospital 1412 Belcher Road Palm Harbor 727.785.6524 and Steele Pain Management & Rehabilitation Center for Animals
727.785.HURT.
Photo, above right: KeevaRue snuggling with her dad Stitch. Keeva is enrolled in the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.
76 THE NEW BARKER
enrolling dogs in 2012, it was only in 2015 that the final tally of 3,044 dogs were enrolled. The study cohort of dogs were all under the age of two when enrolled and all have detailed pedi- grees available. The study collects data from the dog’s owners every year – everything from the food they eat, their treats, the flooring in the home, hours outside each day, physical activities and the more obvious, reports of illness or health problems encountered over their lives. Each dog is examined at least yearly and
donates blood, urine, fecal, hair and nail samples and the DNA samples are banked. Any tissues collected from tumor removal are also submitted. Sadly, tissues from necropsy (autopsy) are also part of the study sample collection process. While some of the data may be particularly
relevant to the Golden Retriever breed, it is expected that many of the associations and con- clusions 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. As the name says, it is a lifetime study, so hopefully,
continues to age. The first subjects evaluated statistically relate to the age of spay/neuter and the impact on both body condition and the tendency to develop orthopedic disease. More than 2,700 of the GRLS dogs were included in this data evaluation. Overweight/Obesity Correlation: The
first question, that regarding the propensity to become overweight or obese, does indicate spay/neuter does statistically increase this risk. One other study indicated this risk equalized about three years after the surgical procedure but this study did not support that finding and found the higher risk of obesity persisted regardless of the time since the gonadectomy. Interestingly, intact females were more likely to be overweight than intact male counterparts but neutered males were more likely to become overweight than spayed females. For pet owners, the good news is that while
this risk to become overweight after gonadecto- my appears to be quite real in this breed, caloric intake can be manipulated to help prevent the development of obesity. The awareness of this risk can help pet owners who have their pets spayed or neutered understand the importance of monitoring their pet’s weight and adjusting their food intake should they begin to gain weight after gonadectomy.
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