New, easy protocols for preserving cells for future clones

A bull calf clone, Galileo, born in Italy at Laboratoriodi Techologie della Riproduzione under the direction of Dr.C. Galli, et al, is very important to all pet owners because his conception started with frozen leukocytes from fresh blood sample. Cats, dogs, horses, ferrets, llamas, any mammalian species can be stored for future clones with this cryopreservation method. Due to the remarkable simplicity of the cell harvesting and because early results are so promising, researchers will closely monitor this method.


TISSUE CULTURE KITS


How and When to Harvest Cells
Animal owners should consider harvesting cells for future cloning whenever the animal has a procedure done that requires putting the animal under anesthesia, such as spay, neuter, teeth cleaning, x-rays, etc. However, since the cell harvesting procedure is so simple, some veterinarians will be able to accomplish the harvesting without anesthesia on some easy going, well behaved animals.

If an animal is put down or dies suddenly and cells are to be harvested, DO NOT FREEZE THE BODY! Refrigerate the body and call for the cell harvesting kit immediately. The cell harvesting kits contain all information necessary to harvest the cells and ship the cells in solution back to us.

Cell Harvesting Protocol Evaluated
In August 1998, veterinary technician Martin, Dr. Nample and Dr. Epstein-Baake, Canine Cryobank founder Carol Bardwick, and lab manager Sue Wells harvested cells for tissue culture to validate our kit's instructions. One harvest was done using lidocaine and one using an ice block as anesthetic. The black labrador was conscious throughout the process and showed only slight discomfort through the procedure. The punch wound was closed with Nexaband, a skin adhesive. Within three days the owner reported that the healing was complete.

Of interest to veterinarians and pet owners

The total procedure took less than 8 minutes. The ice block method caused the dog's respiration to increase and the pupils to dilate, but the dog never raised his head nor did he try to move during either punch.

Cells from this harvesting yielded cell cultures that successfully grew to fibroblast stage and were cryopreserved.

Costs of Cell Harvesting
As of 2008, the cell harvesting kit  and processing for one animal costs US$1025.00. The kit has a shelf life of three months before the special solutions will need replacement.  Storage for cells starts second year and is US$90.00 per year for storage. Owners pay for shipping the collection kit to and from the veterinarian with Visa and MasterCard. Visa/MC may also be used for the cell cultures processing costs.

Cryobank Storage Available to Other Animals
Owners of cats, rabbits, rats, mice, guinea pigs and other animals may have their cells frozen for future cloning also. Laboratory animal species such as mice, rats, rabbits, etc., will probably be successfully cloned before canines and other animals because of the great need of their clones in the biotechnology field.

Horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, llamas, alpacas, and others may also have their cells processed and stored for future clone use. The livestock field is already providing clones such as the famous Dolly!



Order Now: Canine Cryobank Cloning Kits
For human cloning information contact Human Cloning Foundation

 

Many times in the past 25 years, the dog owner and I quietly watch in awe as a long-deceased favorite stud's thawed sperm awakens from its suspended frozen state. It is a thrilling experience.

Imagine the joy in witnessing the birth of a clone, an identical genetic copy of the same stud, bitch, queen, tom, stallion, gelding, mare, or any mammalian animal regardless of sex, neutered or intact.

It is time animal owners and animal professionals start talking about this fast approaching future.

Carol Scott Bardwick
President/Founder, Canine Cryobank

Thoughts on Cloning from Clients

 "I spent thousands of dollars on veterinary treatment for a very ill 11 1/2 year old dog knowing I was just prolonging the inevitable end . . . it was a little easier to let go when I had cells harvested for possible future clones."

"I questioned my veterinarian about terminating my dog's life without putting up cells for future cloning. My vet said he didn't think he could ethically participate in harvesting cells for possible future cloning. I thought that was a very strange comment from someone who was going to euthanize my lifelong pet for $35.00. Isn't participating in the possible preservation of life less of an ethical dilemma than making the decision to end a pet's life?"

"He was neutered when I got him so I couldn't sperm bank him, but he is the best dog I ever had . . .so now I have a chance."

"I spayed her after her third litter but I now realize that her importance as a brood bitch to our breed has still not been surpassed. So, someday the breed will again have her genetic input through her clone!"

"My breeder insisted on limited registration with a spay contract and until now I regretted not having pups from her, but now I have a chance at possibly having HER back! I never really wanted to breed her and be responsible for a bunch of pups. But I am thrilled to think I can have her clone."

"I was devastated when I found out my dog had "rage syndrome" but if I can add to the discovery efforts for a cure for this disease by storing cells for future research, maybe this disaster will have some meaning for me."