Tumor tissue samples submitted to the BMD Repository can be crucial keys to researchers looking for genetic causes of cancers. Because
this type of submission happens at a very emotional time for owners, we have instituted our "Just Freeze It" campaign to make things
simpler and easier at this difficult time.
IF YOUR DOG IS DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER, JUST FREEZE IT.
Five Steps For Tumor Submission
- During an operation to remove a tumor mass or very shortly (within 1 hour) after your dog has died, have your vet remove a sample
of the tumor tissue, about one cubic inch in size. A simple procedure is all that is needed to collect a sample. A full autopsy is
not needed.
- Split the collected tumor tissue in half, to create two samples.
- One sample should be placed immediately in a formalin fixed solution for pathology diagnostics, if that
has not already been done. If a Pathology has not been previously done, please have your vet send this Formalin Fixed sample into
a Pathology Lab. We recommend Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory at Michigan State University (VDL).
Please click this link
for Formalin Fixed collection instructions and VDL and Repository submission forms for you to use.
- The second tumor sample should be “DOUBLE zip locked bagged” and immediately placed in the vet’s freezer. Note: the sample can be
safely frozen for weeks. Both samples are now ready and can be held at your vet clinic for further instructions from the Repository.
- Contact Marlee Richter, LVT (berners@cvm.msu.edu) at the Repository, during regular business
hours, for further instructions about shipment of samples.