Description:

Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers in the dog and is comparable to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in humans. Chemotherapy is the standard of care for treatment and can provide long term disease control but survival beyond 2 years is rare.

There is active investigation into the utility of metabolic markers, such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), as a predictor of response to treatment in humans with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Additionally these markers may serve as a target for future therapy.

The goal of this study is to assess levels of IGF-1 and other related blood biomarkers in canine patients with lymphoma. We will evaluate these markers for prognostic value and will determine whether they could serve as targets for therapy in the future.

Inclusion Criteria:

Dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of multicentric lymphoma (cytology or pathology), weighing more than 25kg. Dogs must be eating a commercial diet and be otherwise healthy.

Exclusion Criteria:

Dogs with other systemic diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, kidney disease, liver disease, etc). Dogs eating a home-cooked or raw diet.

Client Benefits:

No direct benefits. Dog owners are financially responsible for the costs associated with cancer staging plus standard chemotherapy and recommended treatment monitoring (weekly complete blood counts).

This study covers the cost of measurement of IGF-1 and other metabolites.

Contact Information:

Kelly Reed, Oncology liaison

508-887-4682

Description

We have started a new study to evaluate the use of ultrasound as a quick and non-invasive method of measuring muscle mass in dogs.  In many of the common diseases of dogs, such as heart failure, kidney disease, and cancer, a big problem that occurs is muscle loss.  This muscle loss is important because it can make dogs weak and can negatively affect their quality of life.  We have been studying methods of diagnosing and treating cachexia (the muscle loss that occurs with various diseases) for over 15 years. We are currently evaluating whether ultrasound, an non-invasive test, can be used to quickly and easily diagnose muscle loss in its early stages. 

Inclusion Criteria

To be eligible, dogs must be healthy 1-5 year old, neutered dogs (male or female) of the following breeds:

*Chihuahua

*Dachshund

*Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

*Doberman pinscher

*Boxer

Dogs must be purebred and should have no heart murmur or other medical problems. 

Exclusion Criteria

Dogs with heart murmurs or any significant medical conditions

Client Benefits

If eligible, the dog will get a free examination at Tufts, will have a small blood sample collected (less than ½ teaspoon; to measure red blood cell count, blood sugar, and an estimate of kidney function), an x-ray of the chest to measure bone size, and an ultrasound of the muscles over his or her back (no shaving required). 

In addition to getting the free tests (blood test, x-ray, and ultrasound of the back muscles), this information will be beneficial in the future for dogs with heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, and other common diseases by validating an easy ultrasound test to measure muscle mass. 

Contact Information

Dr. Lisa Freeman Phone: (508) 887-4696