Help Keep Golden Retrievers (and Other Dogs) Happy, Healthy and Cancer-Free!

Cancer is something no one wants to talk about, but it is the number one cause of death for dogs older than two years of age.  Morris Animal Foundation has launched the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study to find out more about how to stop the cancer epidemic.  

This study will focus on Golden Retrievers, but its findings should apply to other dog breeds.  Additional major diseases will also be looked at through this study.  Questionnaires and annual exams will make up a large part of the discovery process of what causes cancer and other diseases in dogs.   

Morris needs dogs and their owners to sign up to be a part of this initiative.  We would really appreciate any help along the way in this quest to prevent cancer!

Qualifications to Sign up for the Study:

•  Golden Retriever owners must be over 18 years old and reside in the contiguous United States in order to participate.
•  Golden Retrievers must be healthy and less than two years old. 
•  Golden Retrievers also must have a three-generation pedigree.

For more information about this study, visit the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.

Author Bio: This is a guest post by Katie F. on behalf of Morris Animal Foundation. Visit morrisanimalfoundation.org/ to learn more about the animal health research that Morris Animal Foundation participates in.

Talking Dogs is the official blog of For Love of a Dog Jewelry.

Fighting Canine Cancer: Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is an effort to learn how to prevent cancer and other diseases.  Conducted by the Morris Animal Foundation, it is the largest and longest observational study ever undertaken to improve the health of dogs.  

The study will enroll up to 3,000 Golden Retriever dogs and will last 10 - 14 years.

The study is based out of Colorado with the assistance of the Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University.  

They're looking for Golden Retriever dogs under two years of age.  So far approximately 500 dogs are participating in the study.  The goal is 3,000.

The Morris Animal Foundation is a nonprofit organization that invest in science that advances veterinary care for companion animals, horses, and wildlife.  

 Here's what the Morris Animal Foundation says about the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study:

Why Should Your Dog Participate?

More than half of Golden Retrievers die from cancer, and it is the leading cause of death in all dogs over the age of 2. By participating, you will help scientists:

• Identify ways in which genetics, environment and diet may affect a dog's risk for cancer
• Determine risk factors for other major health disorders in Golden Retrievers
• Learn how to better prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and other canine diseases
• Improve the health of future generations of Golden Retrievers and help create a healthier tomorrow for all dogs

Who Can Participate?

• Golden Retriever owners over 18 years of age and living in the contiguous United States.
• Dogs that are healthy and under 2 years of age at the time of application.
• Dogs that have a three-generation pedigree.

What Is Expected of You?

• Agree to participate for the life of your dog
• Select a veterinarian who agrees to participate with you
• Complete online questionnaires regarding your dog's food type and feeding habits, environmental exposures, behavior/temperament, disease events, etc.
• Visit your dog's veterinarian for annual exams and sample collection (blood, urine, feces, hair, and toenail clippings)
• When applicable, allow collection of tumor samples for evaluation
• Be willing to consider a necropsy (post mortem examination) when your dog's life ends

Study Participants are responsible for all costs associated with the annual exam, sample collection and laboratory test results. Morris Animal Foundation will reimburse up to $75 of these costs per year after verification that the exam and sample collection has been completed.

For more information about the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, click here to fetch the fine print on participation.