Obtaining samples and accurate diagnoses of malignant cancers are necessary components of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. If an FNA or examination suggests malignancy, communication with the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study team is required before a biopsy is performed, 855.4GR.DOGS (855.447.3647). A biopsy should ideally be performed by the study veterinarian or a veterinary oncology specialist as instructed below. As always, the decision to pursue a biopsy or any other veterinary care is the owner’s decision.
When clinically feasible, sample(s) of the tumor as well as surrounding normal tissue are requested. A tissue sample should be submitted to Antech Diagnostics at no cost to the veterinarian for histopathology. Also, when feasible, additional diseased and healthy tissue will be shipped to a long-term storage facility to be preserved for future analysis. The biopsy supplies, including postage, shipping and packaging materials are provided at no charge to the clinic. To request a biopsy kit or for questions, please call the study team at 855.4GR.DOGS (855.447.3647).
If a dog has a presumptive diagnosis of malignant cancer and the owner is unable to afford the procedure to collect a biopsy, the study offers a reimbursement of up to $500 per dog over the life of the study to collect a biopsy. This money is specifically intended to help an owner pay for a biopsy procedure that he or she could not afford otherwise.
Additionally, the reimbursement may be used to offset the cost of a necropsy. A necropsy, usually performed by the dog’s study veterinarian, will allow the study team to gain valuable information from this important, final step in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study.