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Rottweiler Health Foundation Mission Statementimage: Trotting Rottweiler

To raise money to fund critical research into the genetic, communicable and acquired diseases that plague our beloved breed, the Rottweiler.

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Winter 2008-09
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DR. WATERS RESEARCH

Fall, 2008 Update from Dr. Waters
Exploring the Familial Clustering of Exceptional Longevity

In our study of exceptional longevity, Rottweiler owners have generously shared information on their dog’s lifetime medical history and lifestyle including diet and physical activity.  To date, we have validated 93 female Rottweilers that have reached exceptional longevity (i.e. at least 13 years old) and we are comparing them to 103 female Rottweilers that died with usual longevity (i.e. 9 years-old).  We are working hard to construct a coherent story about what factors contribute to exceptional longevity.  Now, to move closer to that goal, we are seeking to gather more information on the parents of these 196 female Rotties. 

To accomplish this objective, my research staff at the Murphy Foundation’s Center for Exceptional Longevity Studies have successfully contacted the breeders or owners of many of the dogs of interest.  But in some cases, our detective work has fallen short.  We have generated a list of Rottweiler owners and breeders that we have been unable to contact.  We are now searching ARC and RHF databases in an attempt to locate these folks.  Our next move will be to share our list of people and list of dogs (call names) with local and regional Rottweiler clubs throughout the U.S. so they can assist us in our search.  With the new leads that these efforts make possible, my research staff will contact Rottweiler owners and breeders to learn about their dog’s age at death and cause of death (cancer vs. non-cancer).  

What is to be gained by this effort?  This valuable information will inform us just how strongly exceptional longevity is influenced by parents versus non-genetic, lifestyle factors such as diet.  Moreover, with this research, Rottweilers are being recognized as highly valued workhorses in the arena of aging research as we continue to pursue the goal of promoting healthy longevity in both pets and people.

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Winter, 2008 Update from Dr. Waters

On January 19, 2008, I was one of 5 speakers featured in a scientific symposium called “The Importance of Nutrition in Comprehensive Pet Wellness” which was part of the North American Veterinary Conference held in Orlando, Florida. 

My talk was entitled “Aging Well: How the Science of Aging Informs the Practice of Wellness”.  In my introduction, I framed the paradox that veterinarians and dog lovers are facing today:  How will we answer the question of why we and our pets age, when no DVMs receive formal training in the biology of aging?  Moreover, how can we expect to develop guidelines and interventions that will promote exceptional longevity, when we know so little about exceptional longevity in our pets?  As my presentation proceeded, I informed the audience how, with support from the Rottweiler Health Foundation, a group of scientists at the Murphy Foundation are doing something to address these challenges.  First, we have developed the first Gerontology Training Program for Veterinarians — an intense 3 day training session, which is a compressed version of a graduate level course on the Biology of Aging that I have been teaching at Purdue University for 10 years.  The next course offering is April 18-20, 2008.  The elite group of veterinarians who complete the course receive a certificate from the Purdue University Center on Aging and the Life Course. 

Secondly, the Murphy Foundation’s Center for Exceptional Longevity Studies has established the Exceptional Longevity Database — the first systematic study of exceptional longevity in pet dogs.  To date, data from more than 100 Rottweilers who have reached age 13 (equivalent to 100 year-old people) have been collected.  This information includes completed questionnaires, pedigrees, and even autopsy in a limited number of cases.  My research team is very interested in conducting autopsies on these exceptionally long-lived Rotts because we are trying to better understand why so few of the exceptionally old dogs and people die of cancer (even though cancer is such a common killer of adult Rotts and adult humans).  The owners of dogs that have been autopsied by me and my team see it as a special way of further contributing to moving our knowledge forward, helping other dogs and people. 

I am pleased to announce that in May 2008 at the ARC in Minnesota, I will provide the very first look at the findings from the first 100 centenarian Rotts.  The title of my presentation is “Sex, Ovaries, Rock & Roll: Scientific Evidence That At Least Two of These Factors Are Important Determinants of Exceptional Longevity”.  Mark your calendars — it’s sure to be an entertaining and informative session

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Fall, 2007 Update from Dr. Waters

Exceptional Longevity Study – So far, we have completed questionnaire data from 91 dogs; only 12 of these very exceptional dogs are currently alive.  We have distributed questionnaires to over 200 owners; now doing follow-up ‘nudge’ calls to see if we can bring some more to fruition. 

Bone Cancer Prevention Trial – Regulatory paperwork approved for this nationwide study; antioxidant treat formulated.  Expect to enroll first dogs in January 2008. 

Dr. Waters Participates in 'The Future of Human Healthspan' - On November 14-16, 2007 in Irvine California, Dr. Waters was one of 100 scientists selected to participate in the Keck Foundation - National Academy of Sciences Futures Initiative entitled “The Future of Human Healthspan” – a two-day, intense discussion of various longevity initiatives from around the world.  Not only will this elite group of scientists grapple with the thorny issues about the biology of aging and just how best to push healthy human longevity, the scientists will be eligible to apply for Futures Grants totaling over $850,000 dollars that will provide seed funding to pursue important new ideas and collaborations.

Dr. Waters’ selection to this one-of-a-kind scientific think-tank is further evidence of the growing acceptance by the scientific community that unleashing pet dogs to find aging and cancer clues is not really a far-fetched idea after all!  And Rottweilers are leading the way!!  

And last, but not least,   In September 2007, P&G Pet Care sponsored a ‘Bring Your Dog to the Ball Park Day’ in Cincinnati, Ohio and had a turnout of over 350 pooches. Dr. Waters caught the first pitch before the start of the Cincinnati Reds vs. Cardinals game!

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'Not Forgotten' Book Benefits Murphy Foundation's PATH to Progress

 Ms. Day has graciously allowed the Murphy Foundation to distribute this wonderful book. Proceeds from the sale of 'Not Forgotten' support the Foundation's PATH to Progress ® research program that benefits pets and people.
Image: 'Not Forgotten' cover

'Not Forgotten'
A Consolation Book for Those
Who Have Lost an Animal Friend

 By Alexandra Day,
author of the Good Dog Carl series of books

 

“Our lives are profoundly enriched by animals. Our pets unselfishly give us their unconditional love and trust. But all too soon, we must face the death of our short-lived companions. As a specialist in treating pet dogs with life-threatening cancers, I have many times witnessed the enduring bond between owner and beloved pet and the grieving that accompanies the loss of an animal friend. In this book, Alexandra Day skillfully combines words and images to send us an important message from our dearly departed animal companions.

Even though we cannot cure our animal friends of their every ill, we can keep them alive in our hearts. It is a comforting proposition that, even in death, their perfect love still surrounds us as we continue on our journey. Most of us have difficulty articulating our feelings to those who are grieving for a lost loved one. This book very eloquently speaks to anyone who has been moved by the loss of an animal friend. The reader cannot escape being affected by this wonderful book which evokes a sense of peaceful reflection that is therapeutic for the soul.”

David J. Waters, DVM, PhD
Director, Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation

First-Ever Cancer Prevention Trial in Pet Dogs
Funded by The Rottweiler Health Foundation

RHF made a major commitment to fund research focused on cancer prevention. On April 5, via PR Newswire, the Gerald P. Murphy Cancer Foundation, Purdue Research Park, West Lafayette, Indiana announced the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cancer prevention trial in pet dogs. The study will enroll 700 ROTTWEILERS nationwide to test the hypothesis that daily supplementation with dietary antioxidants can substantially reduce the incidence of bone cancer. Enrollment into the trial should be complete within the next 30 months.

Much money and effort continue to be dedicated to cancer treatment. Large pharmaceutical companies pour huge assets annually into research and development of improved cancer treatment drugs with less devastating side effects. But, Dr. David Waters, DVM, PhD, Executive Director of the Murphy Foundation believes, "if we are going to beat cancer we need a new Path to Progress," and he is the lead investigator in this landmark cancer prevention research project.

In early April Dr. Waters asked RHF to partner with him in the fight against bone cancer. He submitted a proposal requesting RHF to fund $10,000 to $20,000 annually over 5 years to conduct the study that he hopes will reduce the incidence of bone cancer. His idea is  bold and innovative going outside the traditional research boundaries. If new developments or discoveries occur during his 5-year plan, he wants the flexibility to take advantage of them within his research program. He doesn't want to be boxed in by self-limiting boundaries required by most research proposals. 

Dr. Waters is actively involved in the Aging Research Initiative by the Center for Exceptional Longevity building the first nationwide database of exceptionally old dogs The initial database includes only ROTTWEILERS and investigators hope to define factors that contribute to exceptionally longevity.  So, his name may already be familiar to you.  He has spoken at three ARC National Specialties to date.

"Cancer Clues from Pet Dogs", an article by Dr. Waters in the December 2006 issue of Scientific American discusses comparative oncology which is an emerging discipline. Cancer prevention research in pet dogs hopefully can be applied to humans as well.

This is an exciting time in canine health research and RHF invites, requests, and urges that you join us as we support Dr. David Waters on his Path to Progress. Join us on the frontier of cancer prevention research.

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