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Information for Owners
Cancer in dogs
Cancer is one of the two most common causes of death in people in many countries and there are many projects aimed at identifying the genetic roots of this disease.
In dogs, cancer is equally important in terms of its incidence; unfortunately, there have not been as many genetic studies on the genetics of cancer in dogs, as there are in people.
Haemangiosarcomas in German shepherd dogs: a tumour in the spleen, heart or with a subcutaneous location
Some German shepherd dogs present a tumour in the spleen or heart or, more infrequently, it may be subcutaneous. These tumours originate from the same cells that give rise to blood vessels and are called haemangiosarcomas.
In the same way as there are genetic studies that try to understand the causes of human tumours (such as breast and prostate cancer), we are trying to identify the genetic roots of haemangiosarcomas in German shepherd dogs.
For this study, it is necessary to compare genetic sequences present in affected dogs against those found in old healthy controls (9 years or older).
As the genetic material for these studies is extracted from blood, we are collecting blood samples from:
- German shepherd dogs with haemangiosarcoma:
- we provide a basic histopathological service free of charge when a tumour sample is sent with a blood sample (2 or 3 ml in EDTA) plus 1 ml of serum of the same dog and the blood sample submission form.
Please visit this website periodically where we shall announce whether the offer is withdrawn or extended.
Alternatively, buccal swabs may be sent in place of blood.
- Buccal swabs may be obtained at home by the owner of the dog:
- 1) The dog should not eat for 30 minutes, or drink for 10 minutes, before the procedure.
- 2) Write the name of the dog on four packages containing collection swabs.
- 3) Place 2 of the collection swabs inside the mouth of the dog, gently rub the inner wall of the cheek for 15 seconds and allow saliva to be collected as well.
- 4) Introduce the collection swabs back into the package.
- 5) Repeat the procedure with 2 collection swabs in the other cheek.
- 6) These samples may be sent by ordinary mail to the address above, accompanied by the buccal swab form.
If you wish to participate, send the samples to:
Dr. David R. Sargan
University of Cambridge
Veterinary Medicine
Madingley Road
Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
Tel: +(44)(1223)337686
drs20@cam.ac.uk
For additional information on the genetics of dog diseases and on the European-wide effort to better understand their causes visit the LUPA website.
In common with human populations, the German shepherd dog breed has several diseases with a genetic origin. In order to maximise the benefits to this 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.