Breen Labs

Burke's Rule: If someone shaves your belly you get a rawhide - period!

It's Friday.  One week ago today we took Burke to our local vet because he was lethargic. On Monday Burke was seen in the VRC Emergency Clinic in Malvern, Pennsylvania and given his initial diagnosis of lymphoma.  On Tuesday we met with the oncologist.  On Thursday we received the pathology report: t-cell lymphoma. Not a good week.

One bright spot in all of this is the incredible support we have received from our breeder, the Cancer Support Team of the Flatcoated Retriever Society of America, and two Facebook groups: Flatcoated Retrievers and Flatcoated Retrievers Health Support.  

Another "positive" is Breen Lab at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.  Drs. Breen and others are conducting studies "focused on exploring the cellular genomics of canine cancers and the investigation of any evolutionarily related genetic aetiology shared with human."  Through the FCRSA Cancer Support Team I was able to learn about Dr. Breen's work and arrange to have samples from Burke sent to North Carolina.  My breeder is also sending samples from her dogs.  Your help is needed - PLEASE won't you send blood samples from your healthy senior flatcoated retrievers to Breen Labs.  It's easy.  Instructions can be found on the FCRSA website. 

If you are interested in making a tax deductible donation to support this research please consider visiting the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Foundation (mention the "Cancer Genomics Fund").  You can also donate to the Flatcoated Retriever Foundation which helps to fund various cancer studies including Dr. Breen's study on lymphoma.