Genetic study on Osteosarcoma in Great Danes

This test would also assist breeders to reduce the incidence of dogs affected by these tumours. The identification of ‘osteosarcoma susceptibility genes’ will also increase understanding of how these tumours develop, thereby ultimately assisting the development of new treatments.

Osteosarcoma is associated with increasing height (and weight) and therefore the highest prevalence is in large and giant breeds. However, some families within these breeds are particularly affected, suggesting an inherited predisposition. Osteosarcoma was one of the two cancers specified as one of the main causes of death in Great Danes in the 2004 KC-BSAVA Purebred Dog Health Survey conducted by the AHT.

In the long term if research identifies one or more inherited genetic mutations that are associated with osteosarcoma this will enable the development of a DNA test to identify dogs that have an increased risk of developing osteosarcoma.

This information would be useful to vets as it would identify dogs who may benefit from careful monitoring for early detection of cancer, and thereby early treatment.

We are very grateful to the Great Dane Breeders and Owners Association Committee as they are supporting this research and have arrange to have Swab kits available at their Championship show on the 24th March 2012. The kits will be available on a first come first served basis.

If your not going to this show simply contact the AHT on 01638 751000 ext 1214 or email them on ongologres@aht.org.uk to request a kit.

We have a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in our breed for only the price of a stamp.

If you have read any of the heart wrenching accounts from our fellow Dane owners detailing their experiences of this dreadful and devastating disease I’m sure they will have moved you.

Let’s all work together and try and find the answer that would ultimately rid our beloved breed of this cancer.

Your Dane may hold the key to the puzzle.

The lead researcher Dr. Mike Starkey, from the world renowned Animal Health Trust, explains further and how simple it is to help this ground breaking research.

Your Dane may hold the final peice in the puzzle!!

Do you have a Dane that is 6 or over?

Based on KC registrations there should be over 9000 Danes that have reached 6!!

Do you have a Dane that has a suspected Osteosarcoma?

Genetic study on osteosarcoma

The Animal Health Trust (http://www.aht.org.uk/) is a charity and a research institute that has been helping dogs, cats and horses for more than half a century. The Trust provides specialist veterinary clinical, diagnostic and surgical services and is dedicated to the study of canine, equine and feline diseases. The Oncology Research Group at the Animal Health Trust is seeking to investigate if there are inherited gene defects that cause Great Danes to have an increased risk of developing osteosarcoma.

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer of dogs. The tumours usually develop in the long bones of the legs close to the joints, such as by the stifle or close to the shoulder joint. The early signs of osteosarcoma are lameness and pain (which may be intermittent), limb swellings and fractures at the tumour site. The tumour is extremely malignant and for more than 90% of affected animals, which do not receive chemotherapy following limb amputation, the cancer will spread (usually to the lungs), and life expectancy varies from a few weeks to 3-6 months. However, 40-60% of dogs that do receive chemotherapy survive for 12 months, and indeed half of these survive long term.

Dr. Mike Starkey - Oncology Research Group February 2012

Great Dane owners can help the Osteosarcoma study by submitting 2 types of sample:

1). Blood or cheek swab sample

If your dog has a suspected osteosarcoma OR is at least 6 years old and has never had any type of cancer:

• If your vet is taking a blood sample for a clinical reason and there is some blood left over, ask the vet to save a surplus sample (1 - 2ml) in an EDTA tube and send it to the AHT (address below)
OR
• Contact the AHT (details below) to request a cheek swab kit (includes instructions). Collect some cells from the inside of your dog’s cheek and then send the cheek swabs to the AHT

2). Tumour sample

If your dog has a suspected osteosarcoma:

• Ask your vet to place a small piece (a 3 - 5mm cube) of the biopsy of the suspected tumour (normally removed for diagnostic histopathology) in a special preservative (‘RNAlater’) provided by the AHT upon request (details below)

For any queries or more information about the project, please contact:
Dr. Mike Starkey
Tel: +44 1638 555603;
E-mail: mike.starkey@aht.org.uk

To submit a blood sample, or request a cheek swab kit and/or an RNAlater sample tube (for a tumour biopsy), please contact the Oncology Research Group (leave a message by telephoning 01638 751000 extension 1214, or E-mail: oncologyres@aht.org.uk).

Animal Health Trust, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU, UK.

See the Submission Form

Cheek swab instructions

We want to be able to say Thank You!

We want to say thank you to those that are able to support this great research. If you are able to send a DNA sample or send a Tumor sample to the Animal Health Trust simple complete the form below. We only require your name and how many samples you were able to send. We are not interested in the type of sample only that you have taken part.

We would then like to list your name on our Thank You page.