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What is the Stomach Cancer Study?

The Michigan State University Center for Comparative Oncology in collaboration with Dr. Tervuren Elaine Ostrander at the National Human Genome Research Institute is conducting a study to determine the cause of stomach cancer in breeds that have an increased risk. Stomach cancer (gastric carcinoma) is a highly malignant cancer and it is almost always fatal. Early detection, prevention, and improved therapies depend on recognition of factors that contribute to causing stomach cancer.

In general, stomach cancer is rare in dogs. Veterinary databases indicate that about 0.1% of dogs (1 in 1000) received this diagnosis. However, certain breeds are diagnosed with stomach cancer much more frequently. Chow Chows have between 10-20 times the risk of stomach cancer compared to other breeds and we have been studying this cancer in Chows for a number of years with the goal of identifying the gene(s) that lead to stomach cancer predisposition. Now we are also investigating stomach cancer in other breeds that demonstrate an increased risk 1) based on data from the Veterinary Medicine Database or 2) in which we have identified a familial pattern of occurrence. One of these breeds is the Belgian Tervuren. Belgian Tervurens have 8 times the risk for stomach cancer compared to other dogs.

What are the Signs of Stomach Cancer?

The signs of stomach cancer can be very vague and subtle. Any of the following could indicate stomach cancer:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Bloat
Dark tarry stool
Weight loss
Lack of appetite
Loss of energy

NOTE: Not all dogs have all the signs!

How Can I Help Fight Stomach Cancer?

We are interested in collecting blood samples and pedigrees from Belgian Tervuren that either have:

STOMACH CANCER:

- The dog is showing signs of stomach cancer or has been diagnosed with stomach cancer.

NO EVIDENCE OF STOMACH CANCER:

- The dog has no signs of stomach cancer and is at least 8 years old.

If you would like to participate or need more information, please contact us:

Elizabeth McNiel, DVM, PhD

D208 Small Animal Clinical Sciences

Veterinary Medical Center

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI 48823

Phone: 517-353-3164

Fax: 517-355-5164

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Heidi Leitkam, BS

D208 Small Animal Clinical Sciences

Veterinary Medical Center

Michigan State University

East Lansing, MI 48823

Phone: 517-432-8787

Fax: 517-355-5164
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Helpful Forms

Listed below are some helpful forms to aid in your participation in this study:

Health Learn More

IF a dog has an OFA number this means that the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals has reviewed x-rays of the dogs hips and has found them to be clear of hip dysplasia, and assigned them a rating. OFA numbers are good for the lifetime of the dog.

PRA is a progressive disease of the retinas that leads to blindness. It is inherited, and has been diagnosed in Tervuren of a number of litters over the course of the past ten years and more, with new diagnoses made within this past year. Without a blood test, our breed faces a likelihood of increasing numbers of new cases of PRA. We are pleased to announce that we now have a wonderful opportunity before us to help find a blood test to enable the eradication of PRA in our breed. Read more...

*Objective*—To determine reference ranges for results of hematologic analyses of healthy Belgian Tervuren, to compare results of hematologic analyses for healthy Belgian Tervuren with results for healthy dogs of other breeds, and to determine prevalence of physiologic leukopenia in Belgian Tervuren.

Having your beloved Belgian go under anesthesia can be a nerve-wracking experience. Understanding exactly what will take place and what questions to ask may help ensure your dog’s safety and your peace of mind.

The thyroid is considered a "master gland" as it is involved in so many metabolic processes in our dogs. While it may not be obvious when things are going well, if your dog becomes hypo or low thyroid, you can see a number of clinical signs.

Why is the elbow an important joint?

The dog carries about 65% of his weight on his front end. Not only do the front legs bear most of the concussion when a jumping dog lands, they also provide a good deal of the propulsion necessary to launch him into the air. The shoulder and elbow joints absorb most of the impact during movement. Those "turn on a dime" movements our Belgians are so fond of can really put some stress on the joints of the forelimb!

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