Bladder cancer
Cancer is estimated to affect one out of every four dogs, regardless of breed, making it the most common cause of disease related death in the dog. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder is the most common tumor of the urinary bladder affecting as many as 20,000 dogs each year. As with many diseases, some breeds are more susceptible to developing TCC than others. Scottish and West Highland White Terriers are the 2 most susceptible. Shetland Sheepdogs are the 3rd most likely breed as they are five times more likely to develop TCC than other dogs. This increase in risk suggests that there is an inherited component that predisposes some dogs to TCC.
There are 2 active studies in which Shetland Sheepdog owners can participate.
Study 1: Ostrander Laboratory at the National Human Genome Research Institute at NIH
In early 2006, the Ostrander Laboratory at the National Human Genome Research Institute at NIH in collaboration with the Purdue Comparative Oncology Program at Purdue University and the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University began a study on the genetic susceptibility to transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder in West Highland White and Scottish Terriers. In 2008, at the request of the ASSA, Shetland Sheepdogs were included in the study. Of key interest was the determination of the variant responsible for this disease in the Sheltie and whether different breeds had the same or similar genetic variants responsible for susceptibility to TCC.
In 2015, year the researchers identified a mutation in the BRAF gene present in 85% of TCC tumors, including 100% of the Shetland sheepdog tumors tested. This exact mutation has been found in many human cancers including melanomas, colon cancer, thyroid cancers, leukemias, and even human bladder cancers.
They found that the BRAF mutation can be identified in urine from affected dogs and have published their findings (Decker, 2015). This has led to a urine-based diagnostic/screening test for TCC (Sentinel Biomedical). It is predicted that early diagnosis and early treatment will improve the prognosis for all dogs with TCC.
Their genome wide association studies have identified two distinct regions of the genome that appear to hold cancer-causing mutations in breeds at risk for TCC. One of these regions is specific to the Shetland sheepdog. They have sequenced the complete genome of a Sheltie, a Westie, and a Scottie that were diagnosed with TCC of the bladder which allowing them to look for mutations that could cause the disease.
“The Ostrander Laboratory would like to express our gratitude to the American Shetland Sheepdog Association and all Sheltie owners for their great response to our numerous requests for blood samples. We have received samples from over 200 Shelties, nearly half of which have been diagnosed with TCC of the bladder.”
This study is ongoing and more participants are needed. Also, if you have entered your dog into the study, updated health information is requested. See information about the findings of this study and how to participate.
References:
Decker B, Parker HG, Dhawan D, et al. Homologous Mutation to Human BRAF V600E Is Common in Naturally Occurring Canine Bladder Cancer—Evidence for a Relevant Model System and Urine-Based Diagnostic Test. Mol Cancer Res; 6:993-1002, 2015.
http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/13/6/993.long
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates the activating BRAF mutation (V600E), which is found in multiple human cancers, is a driver of canine InvTCC, and highlights a urine-based test for quick diagnosis.
Parker HG, Dhawan D, Harris AC, Ramos-Vara JA, Davis BW, Knapp DW, Ostrander EA. RNAseq expression patterns of canine invasive urothelial carcinoma reveal two distinct tumor clusters and shared regions of dysregulation with human bladder tumors. BMC Cancer. 2020 Mar 24;20(1):251. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7092566/
Sentinel Biomedical CADETSM BRAF Mutation Detection Screening Assay for Early Detection of Canine TCC, www.sentinelbiomedical.com/store/
Study 2:
The NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine is currently recruiting dogs for these clinical studies:
1. Early Detection of Canine Bladder Cancer – this study is screening urine samples from clinically healthy dogs at increased risk of bladder cancer, to determine if they test positive for a genetic marker of the disease (a specific mutation in the dog BRAF gene). The goal is to determine whether this BRAF Mutation Detection test can identify dogs that have bladder cancer BEFORE they develop clinical signs (such as inappropriate urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine).
Inclusion criteria: Clinically healthy male or female dogs aged six years or older from one of these breeds (American Eskimo Dog, Beagle, Russell Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier, Scottish Terrier, Shetland Sheepdog, West Highland White Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier).
2. Delaying Clinical Signs of Canine Bladder Cancer with a Dietary Supplement – this study is investigating whether a nutritional supplement DELAYS the onset of clinical signs in dogs that test positive with the BRAF Mutation Detection Test but which do not have a detectable bladder mass.
Inclusion criteria: These dogs will be recruited from the Early Detection Study described above.
3.Treatment of Canine Bladder Cancer with a Dietary Supplement – this study is investigating whether a dietary supplement slows the progression of canine bladder cancer in dogs with confirmed disease, when combined with standard of care treatment.
Inclusion criteria: Dogs of any age, sex or breed that have been diagnosed with bladder cancer within the past three months, and which have not received any cytotoxic chemotherapy (such as mitoxantrone, vinblastine). Treatment with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is acceptable).
In addition to the dietary supplement, enrolled dogs may be eligible for clinical evaluation for the presence of bladder cancer (typically including abdominal ultrasound), standard of care treatment (which may include chemotherapy) and periodic BRAF Mutation Detection testing, all at NO COST to the owner.
Please complete the following questionnaire to determine if your dog is eligible.
https://redcap.link/NCStateUCStudyQ1
Contact UCClinicalTrials@ncsu.edu with any questions.
Links to the ongoing studies:
https://cvm.ncsu.edu/screening-urine-from-high-risk-dog-breeds-for-evidence-of-bladder-cancer/
https://cvm.ncsu.edu/therapeutic-trials-for-canine-bladder-cancer/
Study 3: Bladder Carcinogen Exposures in Pet Dogs
Breed(s): -All Dogs
Study Location: University of Wisconsin, Madison
AKC Canine Health Foundation-funded Grant: 02780
Bladder cancer in dogs can lead to blood in the urine, pain on urination, and urinary blockage. The underlying causes in dogs are not well understood. The aim of this study is to determine whether urinary exposure to certain environmental chemicals contributes to bladder cancer risk in the dog.
The results of this study may help us understand what causes bladder cancer in some dogs, and whether owners of these dogs share exposure to certain chemicals in the environment. Our goal is to find better ways to prevent bladder cancer in dogs and people.
Study update: As of February, 2023, recruitment for this study has just been completed. Thirty-nine dogs with bladder cancer and 39 matched control dogs have been enrolled. Two affected Shelties along with unaffected controls are included. They expect to receive results from the urine samples this spring. Study results should be published in the future.
Contact Information:
Name: Dr. Lauren Trepanier
Email: lauren.trepanier@wisc.edu
Kidney
Characterization of Kidney Disease in Shetland Sheepdogs
Do you own a Shetland Sheepdog that has been diagnosed with kidney disease or is related to one with kidney disease? The American Shetland Sheepdog Association and its charitable Foundation are sponsoring a study which might help determine if there is an inherited link to kidney disease in Shetland Sheepdogs.
How you can help
PHASE 1- Collection of Historical Data
1) Provide a complete pedigree of your pet, which includes identification of any relative with a diagnosis of kidney disease.
2) Share all medical records from those individuals diagnosed with kidney disease.
3) Provide access to any kidney tissue and/or laboratory values (e.g., bloodwork) which might have been
previously tested.
PHASE 2- Sample Collection from Pedigreed Families where Kidney Disease is Prevalent (Concurrent with Phase 1)
1) Kidney samples via biopsy or autopsy (dogs with kidney disease)
If your veterinarian recommends performing a kidney biopsy to determine the cause of your Sheltie’s kidney disease, or if your dog has a diagnosis of kidney disease and is euthanized for any reason, kidney samples can be submitted to the International Veterinary Renal Pathology Service (IVRPS) at the Ohio State University for evaluation. Biopsy samples should be collected early in the disease process to provide the best interpretation and guidance for treatment of the disease. A particularly good opportunity for collection of a kidney biopsy is at the time of spay. * Monetary support for the cost of kidney biopsies may be available from the ASSA Foundation (see below).
2) Blood and urine (dogs with kidney disease or related unaffected dogs)
If kidney tissue is provided, blood and urine should be submitted concurrently for additional analyses and isolation of DNA. DNA would be used to search for causative gene(s) and ultimately development of a DNA test if a hereditary cause is found. If kidney tissue is not provided, then blood and urine can be submitted for evaluation, which can help determine the extent to which your dog’s pedigree is affected. Evaluations of all submitted samples will be performed at no cost to the owners and all results will be provided through their veterinarians.
*The owner’s veterinarian should obtain a free biopsy collection kit prior to the biopsy procedure as specialized tissue fixatives are needed.
For more information, please contact:
| Dr. Mary Nabity | Dr. Jessica Hokamp |
|---|---|
| IVRPS | IVRPS |
| jhokamp@tamu.edu | |
| 979-845-9180 | 979-845-9180 |
.
International Veterinary Renal Pathology Service: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/ivrps/
.
.
Monetary support for the cost of kidney biopsies from the ASSA Foundation
The determination of whether or not an inherited kidney disease process is likely in the Shetland Sheepdog will depend upon the analysis of kidney tissue obtained from as many affected dogs as possible. Kidney biopsies can be helpful to determine diagnosis and guide treatment in dogs with kidney disease, as we currently lack non-invasive diagnostic tests to accurately identify most types of kidney disease. Kidney samples obtained early in the disease process are more likely to yield helpful information than that obtained late in the process when much of the tissue has been scarred. However, tissue obtained shortly after death will still be useful and when possible, biopsy collection kits should be requested in advance.
When biopsies are considered diagnostically appropriate for an affected dog based on evaluation by a veterinarian, the cost may be partially subsidized by the ASSA Foundation. Up to $500 each for the first 10 Shelties biopsied has been reserved for that purpose*. Applications for subsidies must be approved by either Dr. Nabity or Dr. Hokamp prior to collection of tissue. Because the cost of obtaining kidney tissue in a live dog is greater than that obtained after death, subsidy funds are reserved for tissue obtained from live dogs.
Procedure:
- The dog’s veterinarian or owner must contact either Dr. Nabity or Dr. Hokamp to determine if the biopsy procedure would be eligible for subsidy and to arrange for delivery of a kit to the veterinary clinic if the biopsy is intended to proceed (regardless of subsidy eligibility).
- If eligible, a form will be sent to the veterinarian to complete and return with the biopsy sample.
- After the biopsy sample, blood and urine have been received by the laboratory, the completed form will be sent to the ASSA Foundation Treasurer who will issue a check for up to $500 to the veterinarian. Because of IRS rules, the Foundation cannot issue checks directly to the owner.
*Kidney biopsies from many more affected Shelties will be needed for evaluation of kidney disease in this breed. Funds for additional subsidies may or may not be available.
Approval will be based on the following:
- Purebred Shetland Sheepdogs.
- Pedigrees and medical records have been received by the researchers.
- Blood for DNA, serum, and urine is intended to be collected and sent with the kidney biopsy.