Cancer
Cell division occurs continuously in the body to enable growth, repair, and defense. Sometimes something goes wrong in this process, which can lead to the development of tumors. Hereditary factors often play an important role in this. The Expertise Centre for Veterinary Genetics investigates the genetic background of various forms of cancer in dogs to gain a better understanding of the cause, progression, and heredity of these conditions. Our aim is to contribute to early detection and targeted prevention.
Research into gastric carcinoma
Gastric cancer is remarkably common in Belgian shepherds in the Netherlands, particularly in Tervuren and Groenendael shepherds. The disease is serious, often difficult to detect until late in its progression, and strongly hereditary. Through genetic research, we aim to enable early diagnosis and targeted selection.
Which dog breeds have an increased risk of gastric carcinoma?
- The Belgian Shepherd Dog
What are we researching?
The Genetics Expertise Center is mapping the genetic background of gastric carcinoma in Belgian Shepherd Dogs. We are investigating the incidence, progression, and degree of heredity. In collaboration with international researchers, we are searching for the genetic mutations that cause this form of cancer.
How do we do that?
We analyze DNA from Belgian Shepherds, compare genetic profiles, and collaborate with researchers in the US. This has led to the identification of risk factors in DNA. We are developing a reliable DNA test to determine the risk of stomach cancer at an early stage.
What are the results?
The study shows that stomach cancer in Belgian Shepherds is highly hereditary. The genetic risk factors are now known, and a DNA test will soon be available to help owners and breeders better assess the risk.
Research into hemangiosarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma
The Expertise Center for Veterinary Genetics conducts research into hemangiosarcoma (blood vessel cancer) and soft tissue sarcoma (connective tissue cancer). These tumors occur regularly in Golden Retrievers.
Hemangiosarcomas (HSA) are very common in the North American population: 1 in 5 Golden Retrievers develop this disease. The Dutch population of Golden Retrievers seems to be more susceptible to the development of cancer in connective tissues (STS). Our goal is to gain insight into the heredity of this condition and the underlying genetic mutations. With this knowledge, we want to increase our understanding of these types of tumors.
Which breeds have an increased risk of hemangiosarcoma or soft tissue sarcoma?
The Golden Retriever
The Labrador Retriever
The German Shepherd Dog
What are we researching?
By collecting DNA material (from blood or saliva swabs) from animals that have had these types of tumors and comparing it with DNA material from elderly animals that have not developed tumors, we can conduct targeted genetic research. Ultimately, we expect to increase our knowledge about these types of tumors. In the future, this could for example facilitate the development of a DNA test. A DNA test would enable breeders to select breeding animals more selectively in order to limit the risk of hereditary transmission of these tumors.
How do we do that?
Data is exchanged from the Golden Retriever populations in both North America and Europe. We then look for any differences in the genetic material in order to identify defects in the genes that are responsible for the increased predisposition.
What are the results?
There is already more insight into the genes that cause these types of cancer. However, additional research is needed to further explore the genetic links.
Are you interested in participating?
We ask owners of both healthy, older dogs (12 years or older) and owners of dogs that have (had) connective tissue cancer (STS) or blood vessel cancer (HSA) to contact us. Does your Golden Retriever have (former) blood vessel or connective tissue cancer, or is your Golden Retriever older than 12 years and cancer-free? If so, please contact us at gezondgefokt@uu.nl.