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Research on the Genetics of Haemangiosarcomas in German shepherd dogs
For a sample submission form or form for a geriatric health screen click here.
Cancer is the most common disease in dogs, with the type of cancer varying according to the breed.
In German shepherds, for example, haemangiosarcomas may occur more frequently than in other breeds. These are tumours that derive from abnormal proliferation of cells involved in forming the vascular system (e.g., blood vessels). Hemangiosarcomas may appear at different sites but most of them occur in the viscera (spleen or heart), while a smaller proportion may be subcutaneous.
The two key questions regarding this problem are:
- Which are the genetic factors that cause the haemangiosarcomas in this breed?
- What can be done to reduce its frequency?
The Study
The search for the genetic factors involves comparing the genetic makeup of German shepherds with this neoplasia and those without it ('matched controls' 9 years or older).
For this, two things are required: a biological specimen and associated information.
- The biological specimen is residual blood from clinical tests (in EDTA or any other anticoagulant), plus serum (1ml) and (if possible) a very small piece of the tumour. For control animals (aged 10 years or more) only blood is required, and we are happy to send the owner the results of a geriatric health screen, without charge.
- The information is about the dog (age, sex, five generation pedigree) and, if affected, its disease (diagnosis, location, age of appearance, metastasis, pathology report, clinical history).
These two elements may allow the identification of the genetic differences that separate German shepherds with and without haemangiosarcoma.
If you own a German shepherd, or know someone who does, and want to contribute to this effort by submitting a sample and its information, please read and fill in the :
Since the breed was created, the efforts of generations of breeders and pet owners have led to the improvement in the appearance and behaviour of this breed. Molecular genetic studies make it possible to improve its genetic makeup as well. Knowing the genetic factors predisposing to haemangiosarcomas will enable the identification of individuals at risk, so their health and welfare may be monitored and this may lead to a genetically healthier breed.
For additional information see: haemangiosarcomas in German Shepherd dogs.
In common with human populations, the German shepherd dog breed has several diseases with a genetic origin. In order to maximise the benefits tothis breed, and to German shepherd dog owners, some of these blood samples will also be used to investigate the genetics of inflammatory bowel disease in the breed, in a study being conducted at the Royal Veterinary College. For information on inflammatory bowel disease in this breed, click here.