Enrollment has begun for the expansive Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, according to Morris Animal Foundation, which is hosting the research. The Denver-based foundation aims to enroll 3,000 golden retrievers over the next two years. To qualify, dogs must be in good health and under 2 years old. The study will track its subjects over their entire lives while their owners and veterinarians document health, nutritional and environmental information. Researchers will use the data to identify ways to better prevent cancer and other diseases in golden retrievers. Information gathered from the study could benefit all dog breeds, the foundation reported Tuesday. “This study requires a long-term commitment from dog owners and their veterinarians,” study director Michael Guy, DVM, MS, Ph.D., said. “We have the potential to learn valuable information that will not only improve canine health but will also significantly advance the entire field of veterinary medicine.” The foundation enrolled 50 dogs this spring as part of a soft launch and now is opening the study for full enrollment. The study is part of the foundation’s overarching Canine Lifetime Health Project, which aims to fund studies that address the prevention and treatment of canine diseases. Sponsors include the Morris family, Blue Buffalo Foundation for Cancer Research, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Petco, Pfizer Animal Health, VCA Antech, the Hadley & Marion Stuart Foundation, and Mars Veterinary. Owners can register their dogs at www.caninelifetimehealth.org. <HOME>
