The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study: 5 Years Of Progress In Veterinary Health And Biobanking

By Sharon Albright, DVM

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over the age of two, and Golden Retrievers (GRs) are at high risk of cancer development. Morris Animal Foundation wishes to better define the incidence and risk factors for cancer in GRs enrolled in this cohort and assess the risk factors for other major medical conditions, diseases and disorders in GRs enrolled in this cohort by conducting a prospective lifetime cohort study.

The Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is a  prospective cohort study of approximately 3,000 GRs under the age of 2 years at enrollment with subsequent annual health exams, laboratory tests, questionnaire responses, and sample collection for archival storage. Dogs will be followed from the time of enrollment until death.

An objective of this study is to establish extensive data and biological sample repositories for future analyses of major diseases, disorders or conditions in Golden Retrievers.