Stomach Cancer Study

In addition to collecting blood samples from Chows, we are also banking tissue samples from chows that have been diagnosed with or are suspected to have stomach cancer (this includes dogs that have bloated). We understand that is very hard to lose your beloved pet to this terrible disease and that under such circumstances it is difficult to think of donating research samples. Because of this, it may be helpful to make this commitment well in advance of euthanasia and to provide a copy of our tissue collection instructions to your veterinarian.

The following is information on the types of samples and information we request for tissue donation:

• Formalin fixed samples

  • Tumor or “abnormal appearing” stomach

  • “Normal appearing” stomach (if there is any)

  • Healthy liver or spleen

• Fresh sample (place in red top or centrifuge tube)

  • Tumor or “abnormal appearing” stomach

  • “Normal appearing” stomach (if there is any)

  • Healthy liver or spleen

Please freeze immediately and ship on ice packs . Keep in freezer until ready to ship.

• Blood Sample

  • 3-5mls in an EDTA tube

  • Wrap in a paper towel to protect from freezing

• Adrenal gland and oral exam
  • We are seeing a number of adrenal tumors and oral melanomas in chows. Please confirm that the adrenal gland and oral cavity is normal in this dog. We do not need a sample of the mass if it is not.
• FedEx the samples

• Ship to:

Please contact us for a FedEx account number

Nicole Madrill
D208 Small Animal Clinical Sciences
Veterinary Medical Center
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: 517-432-3282

*If samples are taken on a Friday, Freeze the fresh tumor sample and refrigerate the blood. Ship out on Monday.

If you would like additional information or have questions please contact:

PDF version of this document to give to your veterinarian.