You & Your Leo Can Help
Imagine the day when hearing the word hemangiosarcoma doesn’t mean you will be immediately saying goodbye to your Leonberger companion. Or an osteosarcoma diagnosis doesn’t mean a slow, painful decline to the inevitable. Can you even imagine when future Leonberger owners won’t know about a diagnosis of polyneuropathy?
Not only can the Leonberger Health Foundation International imagine it, we are working with world-renowned scientists to make it a reality and you and your Leo are the key!
Listed below are the current studies in which Leos are active participants, and how you might help.
Not only can the Leonberger Health Foundation International imagine it, we are working with world-renowned scientists to make it a reality and you and your Leo are the key!
Listed below are the current studies in which Leos are active participants, and how you might help.
Make Sure Your Leo is in the Pedigree Database
The Worldwide Independent Leonberger Database is an invaluable tool to researchers and breeders. Make sure your Leonberger is included!
Go to WILD, select the Search tab from the top menu, and use your dog's registered name to find them.
Go to WILD, select the Search tab from the top menu, and use your dog's registered name to find them.
Below are some videos to help you utilize WILD.
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DNA Databank and Research at UMN & Bern
𝗟𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲!
ILU Health Working Group & LHFI have partnered with Minnesota and Bern Universities. We are working together to collect Health and longevity data of the breed and anybody who owns a Leonberger can participate and help!
The questionnaire is available in 9 different languages and the data is fully confidential, only available to the research teams at the universities studying the breed.
It does not matter when the dog was born or if he is still with us, please fill in the questionnaire to help us better understand the health issues the breed is facing and areas where future research is needed.
Please note, dog's 𝗗𝗡𝗔 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱 with the universities for his health data to be submitted via this questionnaire. You will need his registered name and date of birth and you are good to go!
ILU Health Working Group & LHFI have partnered with Minnesota and Bern Universities. We are working together to collect Health and longevity data of the breed and anybody who owns a Leonberger can participate and help!
The questionnaire is available in 9 different languages and the data is fully confidential, only available to the research teams at the universities studying the breed.
It does not matter when the dog was born or if he is still with us, please fill in the questionnaire to help us better understand the health issues the breed is facing and areas where future research is needed.
Please note, dog's 𝗗𝗡𝗔 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱 with the universities for his health data to be submitted via this questionnaire. You will need his registered name and date of birth and you are good to go!
Should you choose to send a blood sample to the Universities of Bern or Minnesota, or already have a sample there for genetic testing, it will become part of a DNA bank for Leonbergers. This genetic material is currently in use for Leonberger specific research in the areas of: osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, glaucoma, cardiac diseases, thyroid disease, Addisons Disease, neurological disorders, longevity & aging, and population diversity.
Regardless of whether there is a blood sample at the universities or not, please click on the following button to update our Leo's health information.
Regardless of whether there is a blood sample at the universities or not, please click on the following button to update our Leo's health information.
If your Leo does not have blood banked and you would like to submit a blood DNA sample to Bern (Europe) or Minnesota (USA) use the following links:
Ongoing Laryngeal Paralysis-Polyneuropathy Research
The tests for LPN1, LPN2, and LPPN3 do not account for all confirmed or suspected cases of laryngeal paralysis and polyneuropathy. Until additional DNA-based test(s) are developed, the only way to confirm a suspected diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis is via laryngoscopy and/or nerve conduction study; polyneuropathy is diagnosed via a nerve and muscle biopsy.
Dogs showing clinical signs of polyneuropathy may qualify for free LPN1, LPN2, and LPPN3 testing. Special forms and instructions, as well as pre-approval, are required for free testing. Please e-mail [email protected] to see if your dog may be eligible.
Please use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view, complete, save and print the forms. You can download versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader directly from Adobe.
Dogs showing clinical signs of polyneuropathy may qualify for free LPN1, LPN2, and LPPN3 testing. Special forms and instructions, as well as pre-approval, are required for free testing. Please e-mail [email protected] to see if your dog may be eligible.
Please use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view, complete, save and print the forms. You can download versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader directly from Adobe.
Digory's Trial: EGFR/HER2 Osteosarcoma Vaccine Trial
The Leonberger Health Foundation International is supporting a new EGFR vaccine trial for the treatment of osteosarcoma in 30 Leonberger dogs. The vaccine is being developed by Dr Mark Mamula at Yale University School of Medicine. Epidermal Growth Factor receptors (EGFR) are highly expressed on the surface of canine osteosarcoma cells and have been found to be involved in promoting aggressive tumor growth. Immunotherapy targeting of these receptors has been successfully used to treat human cancers and is now being tried in dogs.
By the time osteosarcoma is diagnosed in a dog, cancer cells have already spread throughout the body. Even though the primary bone tumor is removed, these metastases will grow and eventually cause death. This is why osteosarcoma has such a poor prognosis. It is hoped that the new vaccine will induce antibody production against canine EGFR. These antibodies can then bind to EGFR on the tumor cells and block EGFR signaling. If successful, growth of metastatic cancer cells will then be slowed or eliminated.
Currently, treatment for osteosarcoma includes surgical removal of the primary bone tumor (amputation or limb-sparing procedures) and chemotherapy. Since bone cancer is one of the most painful cancers and is resistant to pain medications, a decision to euthanize or treat must be made as soon as possible. Your vet can help with this decision as there are a lot of things to consider; dog’s physical health, location of tumor, risks/benefits, possible complications, cost, time commitment for travel and recovery, home situation (e.g. stairs), etc. Unfortunately, despite treatment, lifespan is only extended by a matter of months (median of 10 months) due to growth of the metastatic tumors that have already spread. Preliminary studies have found that addition of the new EGFR vaccine can help reduce and/or eliminate these metastatic tumors, extending survival times by 6 months or more over those obtained by standard of care treatment alone.*
If you wish to participate in the vaccine study, you will need to contact one of the oncologists on the list (link to trial sites can be found below). They will help coordinate treatment with a surgeon. Because this is a research study, only sites on the list which have been qualified by the USDA can be used. There is a study protocol that needs to be followed. It will be very important to collect tumor tissue and blood samples at the time of surgery. In addition, radiographs, or other tests (e.g. ultrasound, urinalysis) will be required to help predict which cells or molecules may be predictive of an immune response. Your dog will receive an initial dose of vaccine and then a second booster at 21 days. Follow-up testing will include chest x-rays at 3, 6, and 9 months. Additional blood work will be collected at each visit; baseline, day 21, day 40-50, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months. Your dog will be followed for at least 12 months. There is no cost to the owner for the vaccine, but you will be responsible for the cost of the evaluations, surgery, and chemotherapy.
Pilot studies in this program indicate that incidence and/or stasis or reduction of metastatic masses can be achieved with EGFR based immunotherapy.
*H Doyle, R Gee, T Masters, C Gee, C Booth, E Peterson-Roth, R Koski, S Helfand, L Price, D Bascombe, D Jackson, R Ho, G Post, M Mamula. Vaccine-induced ErbB (EGFR/HER2)-specific immunity in spontaneous canine cancer. Translational Oncology 14 (2021) 101205.
By the time osteosarcoma is diagnosed in a dog, cancer cells have already spread throughout the body. Even though the primary bone tumor is removed, these metastases will grow and eventually cause death. This is why osteosarcoma has such a poor prognosis. It is hoped that the new vaccine will induce antibody production against canine EGFR. These antibodies can then bind to EGFR on the tumor cells and block EGFR signaling. If successful, growth of metastatic cancer cells will then be slowed or eliminated.
Currently, treatment for osteosarcoma includes surgical removal of the primary bone tumor (amputation or limb-sparing procedures) and chemotherapy. Since bone cancer is one of the most painful cancers and is resistant to pain medications, a decision to euthanize or treat must be made as soon as possible. Your vet can help with this decision as there are a lot of things to consider; dog’s physical health, location of tumor, risks/benefits, possible complications, cost, time commitment for travel and recovery, home situation (e.g. stairs), etc. Unfortunately, despite treatment, lifespan is only extended by a matter of months (median of 10 months) due to growth of the metastatic tumors that have already spread. Preliminary studies have found that addition of the new EGFR vaccine can help reduce and/or eliminate these metastatic tumors, extending survival times by 6 months or more over those obtained by standard of care treatment alone.*
If you wish to participate in the vaccine study, you will need to contact one of the oncologists on the list (link to trial sites can be found below). They will help coordinate treatment with a surgeon. Because this is a research study, only sites on the list which have been qualified by the USDA can be used. There is a study protocol that needs to be followed. It will be very important to collect tumor tissue and blood samples at the time of surgery. In addition, radiographs, or other tests (e.g. ultrasound, urinalysis) will be required to help predict which cells or molecules may be predictive of an immune response. Your dog will receive an initial dose of vaccine and then a second booster at 21 days. Follow-up testing will include chest x-rays at 3, 6, and 9 months. Additional blood work will be collected at each visit; baseline, day 21, day 40-50, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months. Your dog will be followed for at least 12 months. There is no cost to the owner for the vaccine, but you will be responsible for the cost of the evaluations, surgery, and chemotherapy.
Pilot studies in this program indicate that incidence and/or stasis or reduction of metastatic masses can be achieved with EGFR based immunotherapy.
*H Doyle, R Gee, T Masters, C Gee, C Booth, E Peterson-Roth, R Koski, S Helfand, L Price, D Bascombe, D Jackson, R Ho, G Post, M Mamula. Vaccine-induced ErbB (EGFR/HER2)-specific immunity in spontaneous canine cancer. Translational Oncology 14 (2021) 101205.
Cardiac Research
Ventricular Arrhythmia & Sudden Death
A recent study in Finland has revealed that inherited malignant ventricular arrhythmia is fairly common among Finnish Leonbergers under three years of age. At its worst, such arrhythmia can result in the dog’s sudden death. This is a concern for owners everywhere because unexplained sudden deaths, particularly in younger Leonbergers, has been noted in populations worldwide.
This past summer, the Leonberger Health Foundation International pledged direct financial support to a grant application made jointly with the Leonberger Club of Great Britain and the UK- based Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which has now successfully secured the necessary funding to take this important research to the next stage.
Professor Hannes Lohi and his team at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki will undertake the next phase of this investigation by looking for possible genetic risk factors of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in Leonberger dogs. In addition to direct financial assistance, further arrangements have now been put into place to allow this study to access the vast resource of the international Leonberger DNA bank, jointly held by our partners at the University of Bern in Switzerland and the University of Minnesota in the United States. Thanks to the many thousands of Leonberger owners all over the world who have contributed samples over the years, this fantastic DNA resource will now be put to work for the benefit of our wonderful breed.
If you have a Leonberger with suspected heart rhythm irregularities, or have ever owned one in the past that suffered a sudden unexplained death, (especially if DNA was collected from that dog prior to death), then please consider sharing the details, (if you have not already), with Professor Lohi’s team. All information will be handled with strictest confidentiality and no identities of individual dogs, breeders or owner will ever be published. All you need to do is send an email with the details to Heidi Peltonen ([email protected]).
Presentation on the Ongoing Cardiac Studies in Sudden Cardiac Deaths in young Leonbergers (published December 11, 2024)
This past summer, the Leonberger Health Foundation International pledged direct financial support to a grant application made jointly with the Leonberger Club of Great Britain and the UK- based Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which has now successfully secured the necessary funding to take this important research to the next stage.
Professor Hannes Lohi and his team at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki will undertake the next phase of this investigation by looking for possible genetic risk factors of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death in Leonberger dogs. In addition to direct financial assistance, further arrangements have now been put into place to allow this study to access the vast resource of the international Leonberger DNA bank, jointly held by our partners at the University of Bern in Switzerland and the University of Minnesota in the United States. Thanks to the many thousands of Leonberger owners all over the world who have contributed samples over the years, this fantastic DNA resource will now be put to work for the benefit of our wonderful breed.
If you have a Leonberger with suspected heart rhythm irregularities, or have ever owned one in the past that suffered a sudden unexplained death, (especially if DNA was collected from that dog prior to death), then please consider sharing the details, (if you have not already), with Professor Lohi’s team. All information will be handled with strictest confidentiality and no identities of individual dogs, breeders or owner will ever be published. All you need to do is send an email with the details to Heidi Peltonen ([email protected]).
Presentation on the Ongoing Cardiac Studies in Sudden Cardiac Deaths in young Leonbergers (published December 11, 2024)
Dilated Cardiomyopathy
The LHFI is also directly collaborating with the cardiac team at the University of Liverpool’s School of Veterinary Medicine, led by Professor Joanna Dukes-McEwan, in an effort to study the prevalence of dilated cardiomyopathy in the Leonberger. We are asking all owners worldwide, both past and present, who have ever had a Leo diagnosed with DCM to please share your information with the research team by emailing it to [email protected] .
Registered names will be used solely for pedigree analysis purposes by the research teams themselves. All submissions will be held in strict confidence and no details of individual dogs, their breeders or their owners will be published.
Registered names will be used solely for pedigree analysis purposes by the research teams themselves. All submissions will be held in strict confidence and no details of individual dogs, their breeders or their owners will be published.
