DENVER/Sept. 6, 2023 — A newly funded study will evaluate both the frequency and major risk factors for cancer in golden retrievers, a breed commonly affected by the disease.
The study will use data from Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, which is one of the largest and most comprehensive canine health studies in the world. The study will also incorporate data from Veterinary Companion Animal Surveillance System (VetCompass), a not-for-profit research project based at the Royal Veterinary College in London, England. VetCompass collects and analyzes data from more than 1,800 veterinary practices in the United Kingdom.
“The evaluation of major risk factors for canine cancer can highlight potentially modifiable factors that could reduce the risk of cancer for future golden retrievers,” said David Brodbelt, epidemiologist and co-project leader of VetCompass. “This could include, for example, certain lifestyle-related factors such as diet and levels of exercise.”
Moreover, by delving into cancer occurrences, not only in golden retrievers, but across the broader spectrum of dogs using VetCompass data, this research aims to put more intricate and precise findings from the Study into the context of the wider veterinary population, Brodbelt added.
This work is supported by a $10,000 sponsorship from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., an animal health pharmaceutical company. The sponsorship will support the hiring of a new canine cancer epidemiologist at the Royal Veterinary College who will lead cancer epidemiology research both at the college and within the study.
"Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is dedicated to providing solutions to unmet clinical needs in oncology,” said Dr. Marlene Hauck, Head of Oncology Research at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. “As such, this research will help determine the cancers that would benefit most from innovative therapeutic options.”
About Morris Animal Foundation
Morris Animal Foundation’s mission is to bridge science and resources to advance the health of animals. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Denver, it is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding nearly $160 million in more than 3,000 critical studies across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
About Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-in-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, producers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock.
As a global leader in the animal health industry and as part of the family-owned Boehringer Ingelheim, we take a long-term perspective. The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. By using the synergies between our Animal Health and Human Pharma businesses and by delivering value through innovation, we enhance the health and well-being of both.
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health has deep roots in the U.S. from a start in St. Joseph, Missouri, more than 100 years ago, it has grown to encompass seven sites. Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health’s portfolio contains widely used and well-respected vaccines, parasite-control products and therapeutics for pets, horses and livestock including NexGard®, Heartgard®, Pyramid® + Presponse®, VAXXITEK®, Ingelvac CircoFLEX® and Prascend®.
Learn more about Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA at bi-animalhealth.com
Media Contact: Annie Mehl
