Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is pioneering the way in studying why Golden Retrievers may develop cancer and other health problems.  Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over two years of age.  Golden Retrievers were selected as the subjects of this study because, in addition to their abilities as service dogs and their popularity, they unfortunately have a high predisposition to cancer compared to most breeds.  This study will not only benefit Golden Retrievers but all dogs in giving them a brighter, healthier future.

This is the largest and longest study ever undertaken to study the health of dogs.  It’s managed by Morris Animal Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps animals enjoy longer, healthier lives.  Goals of the study include determining the occurrence of cancer in Golden Retrievers in the United States, to identify genetic differences, environmental and nutritional factors, and the occurrence of other health disorders that can increase or decrease a dog’s risk for cancer.  Over the next 10 to 14 years, observational data collected from 3,000 Golden Retrievers will help us learn how to prevent cancer and other diseases that take the lives of dogs too soon.  Dogs enrolled in the study are examined annually by a participating veterinarian within the local area.   According to Dr. Michael Guy, director of the Canine Lifetime Health Project, “Morris Animal Foundation would not be able to complete this study without the participation of dedicated veterinarians and their clinic staff.”

The Seville Wadsworth Veterinary Clinic is participating in the largest study ever conducted in veterinary medicine.  We believe in the importance of this study, and we believe that you and your dog would be valuable participants.  This is an observational study, which means no experimentation or invasive procedures are required.  If you decide to participate, you would provide information annually about your dog’s lifestyle, diet, travel, exercise, and living environment through an online questionnaire.  In addition, each year your veterinarian would perform a physical examination and collect blood, urine, feces, nail clippings, and hair samples for laboratory analysis and long-term storage. 

Dr. Hofstetter is a participating veterinarian in the study.   Registered veterinary technician, Amanda Bell, is participating in the study with her 3 year old Golden Retriever, Hanna.  It’s exciting that Hanna was the 2nd dog entered into the study.  Amanda takes pride in her involvement with Hanna and is optimistic about the positive results this study will bring over the next two decades.
  

If you have a healthy golden retriever under the age of 2, with a 3 generation pedigree, you are encouraged to enroll in the study.  So far 1000 dogs have been registered with a goal to reach 3000 by the end of the year.  For more information visit www.CanineLifetimeHealth.org or call the Seville Wadsworth Veterinary Clinic at (330) 336-5823.