All over the world, countless dogs cross the rainbow bridge every year with cancer. But if all goes well, a study in the USA that is leveraging artificial intelligence just might be able to create an innovative approach to detect this deadly disease early in canines, enabling in-time treatment, thus extending their lives.
The cancer study in dogs, funded by the Morris Animal Foundation and the Golden Retriever Foundation, is hopeful that artificial intelligence might help in finding a solution to the problem of identifying dogs susceptible to developing diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, the most common form of lymphoma and a major cause of death in dogs.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota are working on a new approach, called “test and intervene”, using artificial intelligence to analyse DNA fragments in dogs’ blood to identify animals at higher risk of the lymphoma. The team plans to then provide pet owners and veterinarians with intervention strategies to help lower the risk in the dogs identified.
Kathy Tietje, chief programme officer for Morris Animal Foundation, one of the world’s largest nonprofit animal health research organizations, said, “Morris Animal Foundation is proud to continue our partnership with the Golden Retriever Foundation and extend the impact of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study with this important research on canine lymphoma.”
The research team will develop the test using a comprehensive evaluation of a large group of dogs and an analysis of samples from the Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study to identify DNA patterns in the blood before cancer development.
Christine Miele, president of the Golden Retriever Foundation, explained, “Lymphoma sadly affects about one in eight dogs and results in both expense and loss of companionship. We are looking forward to the day of early detection and the application of prevention and treatment.”
This initiative sets itself apart from similar projects by attempting to assess canine cancer risk through a lymphoma risk assessment test to help veterinarians and pet owners make informed care decisions and reduce the impact of lymphoma on dogs.
Trisha D’Souza, senior veterinarian at the Animal Wellness And Rehabilitation Centre in Chembur, Bombay, said the study holds out the possibility of identifying cancer markers early, facilitating life-saving treatment. “AI will accumulate data faster,” she said, “enabling the study of a large number of DNA samples to determine certain common markers in those having lymphoma. It will help us [identify animals at risk], like how for kidney issues we have elevated creatinine levels [as a marker].”
Dr D’Souza added, “If they are able to find some early markers to determine this disease, it will be great, because lymphoma is fairly common in Indian dogs, even our street dogs.”
The study may also point to causes and trigger points for the cancer, she said, which could help in preventive care.
Apart from dogs, the study may aid in understanding trigger points for cancer, ageing, chronic conditions, and other ailments in animals like cats too.
Global pet care market seen crossing $400 billion by 2028
US firm testing drug to increase lifespan of dogs
Caution: Information in news reports, press releases, or articles on TheSnout.in is not intended to serve as a medical opinion or advice. Do not attempt to treat yourself or your pets without consulting the appropriate medical professional.
Noorulain Sayed
Noorulain Sayed is a journalist who is passionate about writing, animals, stars, and everything cosmic and magical in between. While there are no words that can fully describe her zest, this couplet by Rumi comes closest: Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.
