CHIC DNA Repository

Instructions for Updating Health History of dogs with DNA samples banked in the CHIC DNA Repository.

CHIC is currently in the process of developing an online web-based application to allow owners to record any significant changes in the health history of their dogs that have DNA samples banked. Until this application is implemented, please email us with any significant health updates. Please include your name and contact information in the body of the email, as well as what changes have been noted. We are primarily looking for new disease diagnosis, as an example, a dog that had developed cancer, PRA, or been diagnosed with hip dysplasia would all be updates that should be incorporated into the dog’s record. Emails should be sent to: chic@offa.org.

As of April 1, 2006, the CHIC DNA Repository is open to receive samples from all participating CHIC breeds.

We would like to thank the Golden Retriever Club of America and the Golden community in general for their overwhelming support during the pilot phase in which over 750 samples, pedigrees, and health surveys were collected

The Canine Health Foundation Press Announcement

Frequently Asked Questions about the CHIC DNA Repository

Mission Statement

The CHIC DNA Repository, co-sponsored by the OFA and the AKC/CHF, collects and stores canine DNA samples along with corresponding genealogic and phenotypic information to facilitate future research and testing aimed at reducing the incidence of inherited disease in dogs.

Objectives

Facilitate more rapid research progress by expediting the sample collection process
Provide researchers with optimized family groups needed for research
Allow breeders to take advantage of future DNA based disease tests as they become available
Foster a team environment between breeders/owners and the research community improving the likelihood of genetic discovery

Submission by Blood Sample

Blood is the gold standard for genetic material; the yield of DNA is sufficient for all research methods, including technologies on the horizon. Moreover, the stability and purity of the DNA is of the highest caliber, which offers many benefits. The drawback of banking blood samples is cost — drawing, shipping, storing, and extracting DNA from blood are more expensive endeavors than the alternative.

Submission by Cheek Swab

Cheek swab-derived DNA is a viable option for DNA banking. Although the yield and purity of this DNA is inferior to that obtained from blood, the material is suitable for most genetic approaches. The swabs are inexpensive, and the samples can be taken by the owner of the dog without the necessity of a veterinary office call. Swabs are easily shipped in standard envelopes using the postal mail, and they can be stored for at least a decade at room temperature, so long as they are stored under conditions of low humidity. The success rate for obtaining DNA from a swab in the laboratory is roughly 98%, so multiple swabs should be submitted for each dog to ensure representation in the archive.

Laboratories

The CHIC DNA Repository has partnered with the Veterinary Genetics Lab at the University of California–Davis and the Animal Molecular Genetics Lab at the University of Missouri. UC Davis will receive and store all swab samples, and Missouri will receive and store all blood samples.

To Participate, complete the following application form and submit to the OFA. You will receive the appropriate swab or blood collection kit in the mail. The health survey below may be completed online, printed, and mailed to the OFA with the DNA samples.

DNA Application Form

Instructions for submission of DNA samples via Blood Sample

Instructions for submission of DNA samples via Cheek Swab

Health Survey for DNA Repository