Exploring Environmental Exposures in Canine Multicentric Lymphoma: Insights from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

Multicentric lymphoma (ML) in dogs shares similarities with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in humans, which has been associated with various environmental exposures, including radon and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study, conducted as part of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, aimed to investigate whether ML in dogs could be linked to environmental factors such as radon exposure or proximity to horizontal oil drilling (fracking), a potential source of VOC pollution.

The research involved analyzing data from 52 dogs diagnosed with ML and 104 matched controls. The dogs' home addresses were categorized based on Environmental Protection Agency radon zones and county-level radon measurements. Additionally, their proximity to fracking and associated wastewater wells was examined.

The findings revealed no significant differences in county-level radon measurements between dogs with ML and unaffected dogs. While individual household radon measurements were not available, there was no notable distinction in residential proximity to active fracking wells. However, dogs with ML tended to live closer to wastewater wells compared to unaffected dogs. Nevertheless, there was no substantial difference in the percentage of cases versus controls living in close proximity to either fracking or wastewater wells.

Clinical Implications:

These results suggest the need for further investigation into more proximate sources of chemical exposures in dogs with ML, including individual household radon measurements and VOC concentrations. By expanding our understanding of environmental factors associated with ML, veterinarians can better assess and manage the risk factors contributing to this condition in canine patients.

Read full article here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jvim.17021