A study published in Veterinary and Comparative Oncology that used data from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study found a possible link between canine sterilization and the development of hemangiosarcoma. Experts have previously predicted this astonishing discovery, but it is still poorly understood.
The authors highlight that until roughly the age of eight years, the chance of being diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma appears to be consistently low across all sexes and neutering statuses. After this age, both intact and neutered male dogs are at risk of developing the disease. Surprisingly, the likelihood of diagnosis for intact females is consistently lower than for any other sex/neutering status. Meanwhile, the likelihood of diagnosis increases among spayed females.
The most prevalent malignancy diagnosed in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study group is hemangiosarcoma. It is a highly lethal malignancy, with around 90% of dogs dying within a year after diagnosis. Even with aggressive rehabilitation, few dogs live more than two years.
Dr. Alison Hillman, a researcher participating in the study and Senior Epidemiology Consultant at Ausvet, stressed the importance of further investigation into the potential link between canine cancer and sterilization, advocating the inclusion of more data from older dogs. She also stated that further research into the link between hemangiosarcoma and sterilization will provide greater insight into probable causal variables.
“This information may also be of value in the context of translational research, as hemangiosarcoma is rare in humans and thus difficult to study,” says Hillman. “Lessons learned through research in dogs may inform prioritization of investigations in humans, given the similarity between dogs and humans regarding the clinical and pathological features of this tumor, and the relative similarity in genetics between the two species as compared to, for example, mice and humans.”
“Analyses like these are possible because data from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study is available through the Morris Animal Foundation’s Data Commons,” stated Kathy Tietje, the Foundation’s Chief Program Officer, who was also involved in the project.
“This analysis serves as a fundamental research tool, with potential for further use by other scientists to generate hypotheses and design their own studies,” she said in a statement. “It also underscores the immense value of the Study’s resources for scientists actively engaged in this field.”
