What is collected
Two samples, both taken during care your dog is already receiving. Nothing here creates a new procedure.
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The tumor
A portion of the tissue removed at surgery. For splenic hemangiosarcoma, that is the spleen removed during the splenectomy your vet already has planned. Fresh tissue placed in a preservative kit is preferred; an existing paraffin (FFPE) block can sometimes be used.
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A matched normal sample
A small EDTA blood draw (a cheek swab can serve as a fallback). This is what lets the lab tell the cancer's mutations apart from your dog's own normal DNA — the comparison the whole design depends on.
The rules that protect your dog
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Diagnosis comes first, always
The pathologist's assessment is what guides your dog's care. Nothing needed for that diagnosis is ever set aside for research. A sample is only preserved for design work after the diagnostic needs are met.
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Ask, don't assume
Ask your veterinarian whether a portion of residual tissue can be retained for research once the diagnostic needs are met. It is a question for your surgical team, not an instruction to them.
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Handling follows the laboratory
Timing and storage follow the receiving laboratory's written instructions. Your surgeon, pathologist, and the lab control the actual procedure.
What to say to your vet
- “If there is residual tumor tissue after what you need for diagnosis, could a portion be preserved for a research sequencing project, along with a matched blood sample?”
About RosieVaccine
We design personalized mRNA cancer vaccines for dogs.
RosieVaccine designs vaccine candidates; we do not provide veterinary care. If an authorized research protocol proceeds, your dog's treating veterinarian would decide whether taking part is clinically appropriate and would administer any investigational product, within an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship. No product is licensed or currently available, and there is nothing to purchase. If you want to follow the work or explore a research collaboration, you can register your interest.
Register research interest → Read the evidence →Important
This page is educational and is not veterinary medical advice. Personalized canine cancer vaccines are experimental and not licensed. Every decision about your dog's care — including whether and how any tissue is handled — belongs with a licensed veterinarian who has examined your dog.