Eligibility
Are mixed breed dogs eligible for the cancer studies?
Mixed breed dogs with one of our five target cancers are welcome to submit fresh tumor samples. We accept tumor samples from all dogs. Since our studies are focusing on the DNA within and between breeds of dogs, blood samples are being accepted only from purebred dogs at this time.
Are unregistered purebred dogs eligible?
Unregistered purebred dogs affected with one of our target cancers are eligible for the study.
My dog is related to a dog with cancer. Can you use a blood sample from my dog?
While we derive the greatest information from the dogs who are actually affected with cancer, we do accept blood samples from related dogs.
My dog has a different kind of cancer. Are you interested in a sample?
We accept blood samples from all dogs. Our funding is for five specific cancers at this time, and that is our primary focus. Occasionally other researcher at the Institute can use DNA from another type of cancer. We will accept blood samples from dogs with other types of cancer. It is possible that in the future those samples may be useful.
Shipping
How do I send blood samples?
Please submit 3-5 mls of whole blood in an EDTA (purple top) tube. The sample should be kept refrigerated until sent. It can be shipped Priority Mail (does not need to be overnight or on ice).
How do I send tumor samples?
Please contact us at CHCC@vai.org prior to your dog’s scheduled procedure. We will FedEx a tumor collection kit to you or your veterinarian. The kit contains shipping medium, sample containers, a protocol form and FedEx forms.
Can tumor/blood samples be collected after euthanasia?
Yes, blood and/or tumors collected post mortem (after death), are still useful. The euthanasia solution does not affect the DNA in the blood cells, nor does it kill the tumor cells.
What do I do about samples collected on a Friday?
Blood and/or tumor samples collected on Friday should be stored in the refrigerator, then shipped on Monday. Tumor cells should remain viable if held in Lactated Ringers solution and stored in the refrigerator until shipping.
Do you accept international samples?
Yes, we accept International shipments. Please contact us for specific shipping instructions.
Do you accept samples from healthy pets for this project?
Yes, blood samples from healthy pets are welcome. We cannot pay for shipping for the samples from healthy pets. These samples provide us controls for the affected dogs in our research, and are appreciated.
