CHIC DNA Banking
The CHIC (Canine Health Information Center) DNA Repository is a DNA banking project sponsored by the AKC Canine Health Foundation and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals. Contributing to this CHIC DNA bank is one of the most important things you can do to preserve the future of the Alaskan Malamute. With your help, we will have a DNA bank that all approved researchers will have access to when they need samples for genetic research projects. As a donor, you will have access to your dog’s DNA when new tests become available. By banking blood samples, DNA will be extracted from the blood and then held at the University of Missouri. OFA believes this process will preserve the DNA forever. Please be a part of helping CHF and AKC/CHF researchers find genetic markers for chondrodysplasia, alopecia, epilepsy, cancer, as well as many other health issues. In the past, when research projects were proposed we had to scramble to identify samples of affected and unaffected dogs and obtain these for researchers. Having samples available when new research studies become available will cut down the time for samples to be made available to researchers and lead to positive conclusions much faster.
You may bank your dog with CHIC through a few different processes.
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At a regular or emergency veterinary appointment, ask your veterinarian or vet tech if they will draw a blood sample for research and DNA purposes. Very often, they will do this at no cost. 5 to 10 cc’s of whole blood should be drawn into EDTA purple top tubes. The blood will need to be stored chilled until shipped. Please see https://ofa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Detailed-Instructions-Blood-Sample.pdf for detailed instructions. AMCA will provide small shipping containers of varying sizes upon request.
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Dog clubs and organizations can have DNA collection clinics, utilizing local resources to draw blood on a number of dogs. AMCA is more than happy to sponsor these and provide the necessary supplies for a successful collection clinic.
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Whenever possible, AMCA aims to sponsor a DNA collection clinic at the AMCA National specialty show. This is co-sponsored by the OFA and the AKC/CHF, and all costs associated with banking will be covered by AMCA, OFA and CHF jointly.
For more information on this important banking project, see the CHIC DNA Repository Website.
Once your dog is enrolled in the CHIC DNA repository, it is CRITICAL that you keep OFA notified of any changes to their health status or new disease diagnoses. To update this information, email updates to ofa@offa.org
NOTE: This is not the same as CHIC Certification. This is a separate program run by CHIC.
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