Sample Handling

For Canine DNA Research at the University of Missouri

Downloadable sheets for DNA Samples
DNA Sample Dog Information Sheet | DNA Sample Litter Information Sheet | DNA Sample Litter List

Blood Sample - The ideal sample for DNA extraction is 5-10cc’s of whole blood, in purple-topped (EDTA) tubes. For very small dogs or puppies, 3ccs should be sufficient. The blood sample needs only to be put in the tubes and rocked gently a few times to distribute the anticoagulant - do not spin, extract serum, or anything further. Refrigerate if the sample is being held for any time before shipping.

Frozen Semen - If there is frozen semen stored from sires or affected dogs, DNA can be extracted from it. Please send 2 straws. They do not need to be shipped frozen, but do pack them in a crush-proof container.

Tissue Sample - Tissue removed as a result of surgery, or an organ sample upon death of the dog will provide a large amount of DNA for research. Please discuss this with your vet ahead of time if you intend to do this. (If the dog is to be euthanized, have a blood sample pulled first, if possible, and send both samples.) First choice is spleen, second choice kidney, and third choice is liver (a piece about the size of your thumb is all that is needed - not the entire organ). One tissue sample is sufficient. Have the organ removed as soon as possible following death, place into a labeled freezer bag, put that into a second bag, freeze, and ship.

Label sample with the following;
call name - owner’s last name
(If samples from several dogs are sent together, number samples and forms)

An Individual Dog Information form should be completed, and a pedigree copy must be included with the sample to tie it in with the correct family. If the dog is not affected but is a relative of an affected, please indicate the relationship.

Shipping - Ideally the sample should be shipped immediately (with a tissue sample make certain it is completely frozen first). If samples are held for a day or over a weekend, blood must be refrigerated, and tissue samples must be kept frozen. Ship via overnight delivery (US Mail, UPS, or FedEx). Do not send on a Friday - there will not be anyone to accept the delivery on a weekend, and the sample could be unusable by Monday. Pack in a small insulated container (most vets have these for shipping samples to labs), with one or more cool packs - it is important that blood samples be kept cool but not frozen, and tissue samples be kept as frozen as possible.

The delivery address is;
Dr. Gary Johnson – (Field Spaniel) DNA Research
320 Connaway Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211

If you need clarification, or have any questions about any of these procedures, please contact Liz Hansen by phone (573-884-3712), email (HansenL@missouri.edu), or regular mail (321 Connaway Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211). Liz is Dr. Johnson’s Project & Information Coordinator, and can help with any questions you may have.

Thank you for your cooperation and participation!

SENDING INFORMATION AND SAMPLES
for DNA Research at the University of Missouri

First, THANK YOU for participating in this important research project! The samples you provide will allow researchers to continue discovering the genes controlling traits in your breed, and dogs in general. As the canine genome is mapped, breeders will have an unprecedented opportunity to identify and avoid producing disease, and concentrate on positive advances in their breeding programs.

It is of utmost importance that the information you provide with the samples is as complete and accurate as possible. The presence of disease, unusual, or “undesirable” characteristics should be revealed to the researchers wherever it has been identified. Information on specific, individual dogs will not be revealed - results of the research will identify what markers have been found, but not the names of those who submitted the samples where a characteristic was located, nor which individual dogs show affected or carrier status for any given condition. Information provided will be kept strictly confidential. As the research produces results, participants may request information on the genetic status of their dog(s).

Complete families are critical to locating specific genes and markers. Wherever possible, submit samples from all siblings, both parents, and all available grandparents.

Begin by gathering the pedigree, litter information, and litter list(s) for each family you plan to submit. You will need a correctly formatted (sire on top, dam on the bottom), typed or computer-generated pedigree (3- to 5-generation) of the litter where an affected appeared. If the sample is for a DNA bank, send a pedigree of the individual dog. The pedigree will connect each sample you submit to the family it comes from, so make copies for each individual dog who will be sampled. The breeder of the litter, or other person familiar with the litter should make a “Litter Packet” for each litter - this consists of the Litter Information sheet, Litter List, and the Pedigree. For the Litter ID code use the kennel name or breeder name, plus the date of birth of the litter, so if Pat Doe had a litter born May 15, 1992, the code would be “Doe 05-15-92". Dr. Johnson’s staff has a different system of coding in the lab to anonymously identify samples, but the Litter ID code is a way to tie your information together and place individuals in the families where they belong as samples are submitted. This ID code should be on each form sent in. Keep a copy of the packet for your own records, and send a copy to Dr. Johnson. This family information may be sent with the blood samples, or separately.

Next, begin collecting and submitting samples for DNA extraction. See the Sample Handling sheet for procedures. The Individual Dog submission form should accompany each sample, along with the marked Pedigree copy that will tie in with the family information sent. Make copies of the Sample Handling and Individual Dog forms as needed for all samples to be submitted. If several dogs’ samples are being sent together, number the forms and samples to be certain there is no confusion (Sample #1, #2, etc). On a spare copy of the pedigree you may want to mark (for yourself) who is alive and sampled, not sampled, and those no longer living, to keep track of who you need to get samples from. As stated before, entire families will give the best chance at finding specific genes - do your best to include all living family members.

Send samples and information to Dr. Johnson’s lab at this address;
Dr. Gary Johnson – (Field Spaniel) DNA Research
209 A Connaway Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65211

If you need clarification, or have any questions about any of these procedures, please contact Liz Hansen by phone (573-884-3712), email (hansenl@missouri.edu), or regular mail (209A Connaway Hall, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211). Liz is Dr. Johnson’s Coordinator of Veterinary Information, and can help with any questions you may have.

Once again, thank you for participating in this important research - you are contributing to the betterment of future generations.

DNA Sample Dog Information Sheet | DNA Sample Litter Information Sheet | DNA Sample Litter List