The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Neuropathology Initiative is designed to create a unique and centralized resource to conduct research on canine cognitive dysfunction.
Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) syndrome is a condition related to the aging of a dog’s brain, which ultimately leads to changes in awareness, deficits in learning and memory, behavioral changes, and decreased responsiveness to a dog’s environment. Research is desperately needed on CCD to advance preventive care, diagnostics and interventions.
This project is being conducted in partnership with the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, where Dr. John Fryer’s laboratory studies the molecular and genetic changes underlying Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia. Dr. Fryer's lab will receive donated brain tissue from up to 200 dogs in the Study. Participation is optional and owners must give their written consent to participate in this initiative.
We know this is an important decision during a painful time for our hero dog owners. It is a gift that will benefit generations of dogs to come. Thank you.
OWNERS
VETERINARIANS
Along with a full necropsy, there are two brain collection protocols to choose from dependent on the resources available at your facility.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study Neuropathology Initiative is designed to create a unique and centralized resource to conduct research on canine cognitive dysfunction. Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) syndrome is a condition related to the aging of a dog’s brain, which ultimately leads to changes in awareness, deficits in learning and memory, behavioral changes, and decreased responsiveness to a dog’s environment.
This project is being conducted in partnership with the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, where Dr. John Fryer’s laboratory studies the molecular and genetic changes underlying Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Fryer’s lab will receive brain tissue from up to 200 dogs in the Study, helping us to understand canine cognitive dysfunction in dogs as well as providing insights into cognitive dysfunction in humans, including Alzheimer’s and other causes of dementia. Owners and Study veterinarians, as well as the originating university/diagnostic laboratory, will receive a pathology report from the Mayo Clinic detailing findings from their dog’s brain tissue analysis.
Funding for this project is provided by Morris Animal Foundation and our generous donors who support the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.
Canine cognitive dysfunction affects nearly one in three dogs over the age of 11, and by the age of 16 nearly all dogs exhibit at least one sign. As our dogs live longer, there is an urgent need to better understand CCD so we can better prevent and/or delay onset, treat and care for our senior dogs with CCD to ensure their best quality of life.
As dogs age, the brain atrophies, meaning that the cells die. To better understand CCD, we need to better understand the canine neuropathology that may impact brain function. By studying the brain, we can look for molecular, genetic, cellular and structural changes in brain tissue that could provide clues to unravel the mysteries of CCD.
In order to maximize the value of these tissues and learn as much as we can, samples from donated brains will be kept indefinitely, unless determined otherwise, as part of a tissue bank. Samples will be divided with part fixed in a formula that keeps the tissue from degrading, and part cryopreserved to sub-freezing temperatures. We don’t know which future studies and researchers may be able to use these samples, and we want to be sure this gift from our owners and their dogs has the biggest impact possible on canine health.
No, necropsies are not required by the Study.
You absolutely can change your mind about doing a necropsy. We recognize this is an emotional decision being made at a time of loss and grief and want to support you in any way we can.
No, brain donation is a separate consent form. Currently, about 60% of our participants have necropsies performed on their dog, most at their local veterinary clinic. Because of the specialized nature of brain donation, we are working with a limited number of university laboratories equipped to perform necropsies that also include brain resection. Because of this geographic limitation, not all owners will be able to donate their dog’s brain for the Neuropathology Initiative.
Cremation is the only option in the case of brain donation. Following a necropsy with brain resection, you would work with your veterinarian or the veterinary teaching hospital to arrange for cremation of your dog.
Yes. This would be no different than cremation following necropsy without brain donation.
We will be providing payment directly to the laboratory so you will not need to worry at all about this expense.
The cost of necropsy with brain donation is completely covered by the Foundation and owners who participate in this program will not be billed. Otherwise, each owner has up to $500 total that can be used for biopsies throughout their dog’s life and/or necropsy. Those expenses must be submitted to Morris Animal Foundation for reimbursement and reimbursements are capped at $500 total. Necropsy with brain donation does not count toward the $500 total.
You can find a list of participating universities and diagnostic laboratories by navigating to Necropsy Support/Planning on the lefthand side of your Golden Retriever Lifetime Study portal page.
The Golden Outreach team of volunteers is available at all hours to help and they have the information you need no matter what your question. Reach out to the GO team by navigating to Necropsy Support/Planning on the left side of your Golden Retriever Lifetime Study portal page. During regular business hours, you can reach the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study call center at 855.4GR.DOGS (855.447.3647)or email [email protected].
The researchers at Mayo Clinic will be producing reports in batches throughout the duration of the project. This means the delay between donation and report receipt may span several months. We greatly appreciate your patience and dedication to this groundbreaking research.