Page 103 - Aussie Magazine - 2024 Issue 3

The ASHGI Cancer Survey,
conducted in 2006-7 made
it clear that the Australian
Shepherd has two inherited
cancers: Hemangiosarcoma
and lymphoma. In addition,
both cancers tend to occur
in the same families,
indicating that they may
have something in common
genetically. This knowledge
means that breeders can
minimize risk of producing
dogs that will develop these
cancers by making note of

This process has actually
made the dog the premier
research animal for cancer.
It is no surprise that the key
researchers on the Canine
Genome Project, completed
in 2005, were also studying
human cancer. The roughly
400 modern dog breeds
represent distinct subsets
of canine gene variants. A
gene version important to
a particular cancer may be
found in only a few of those
400 breeds, and may be
common in only one or two.
Familial patterns of cancer
are very difficult to trace in
human populations, but dog
breeds with their closed gene
pools and studbook records
are ideal for the purpose.

The apparent increase in to puzzle out what was cases and avoiding breedings
cancers among younger happening. I told Dr. where both parents have the
Aussies in conjunction with Armstrong I felt our breed same cancer in their recent
increased coefficients of ought to be studied more family background. ASHGI
inbreeding concerned me. closely for cancer, but his has included these cancers in
I knew the longevity study untimely death brought an its pedigree analysis service
data was not sufficient end to his work. since 2008.

A Worldwide Magazine for the Aussie • Issue 3/2024 | 103