Degenerative myelopathy - Page 4

IMO the dog should be DNA tested for DM and if found to be at risk autopsied when the time comes. The results should not be used to dictate treatment or to make a positve DM diagnosis. How else can the researchers prove or disprove the test results? It should be about the breed not who is right and who is wrong. Hasn't that attitude gone on long enough and how has it worked for the breed so far?

"Neurologist said DNA testing would just show if he was a carrier and at this point I don't see any reason to do it."

That was the reason for not DNA testing Stuart ^^^^.

Breeders selling "dm free" dogs are no more dishonest that those who sell dogs based on overstated show results, working ability, progeny evaluation, and other BS. What's the difference?
 

Can someone assist in explaining what they believe the following might mean for my seemingly healthy and active 3-year old GSD?  Will he develop DM symptoms? Likelihood of developing symptoms? If I mate him with a dog 100% free and clear of the DM gene are they still within the 50 percentile of getting the gene?  He is a wonderful dog. Sire was VA1 in Germany a few years ago as was grand-sire. Hips and elbows are completely normal (A-).  Thoughts?

 

LABOKLIN GmbH&CoKG
Steubenstraβe 4
DE-97688 Bad Kissingen
Fax-Nr.: +49 971 68546
Tel.:    +49 971 72020

Report
No.: ---
Date of arrival: 24-12-2014
Date of report:  29-12-2014
+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| Patient identification: Dog          Male           * 19.02.12 |
|                         German Shepherd Dog                    |
| Owner / Animal-ID:      ---                           |
| Type of sample:         EDTA-Blood                             |
| Date sample was taken:  12-12-2014                             |
+----------------------------------------------------------------+

 Name:                    ---                                                               
 Stud book no.:           ---                                                               
 Chip no.:                ---                                                        
 Tattoo no.:              ---                                                               
     
Degenerative Myelopathy - PCR

 Result: genotype N/DM (exon 2)
 
 Interpretation: The analysed dog is a carrier of the mutation in  exon 2 of SOD1-gene that has been suggested to be a major risk factor  for the development of Degenerative Myelopathy. The mutation will be  passed on to the offspring with a probability of 50%.
 
 Please note: In the Bernese Mountain Dog breed the mutation in exon 1  of SOD1 gene also occurs in correlation with DM.
     
The current result is only valid for the sample submitted to our laboratory. The sender is responsible for the correct information regarding the sample material.The laboratory can not be made liable. Furthermore, any obligation for compensation is limited to the value of the tests performed.

There is a possibility that other mutations may have caused the disease/phenotype. The analysis was performed according to the latest knowledge and technology.

The laboratory is accredited for the performed tests according to DIN EN ISO 17025 (D-PL-13186-01). (except partner lab tests).
                                                                                    
*** END of report ***
                                        Fr.Dipl.-Biol. Bärbel Gunreben
                                        Abt. Molekularbiologie

Villa, this might help you make a decision.

http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DM/testDM.htm

The dn DNA test is not reliable for predicting occurrence of DM. Enjoy your healthy dog and stop focusing on a disease you have no control over. If you want to breed your dog, it is politically correct to breed him with a female that is n/n for the sod1 gene. There is no guarantee a dog that is deemed DM 'clear' will not develop the disease. Even your lab included a disclaimer;

"There is a possibility that other mutations may have caused the disease/phenotype. The analysis was performed according to the latest knowledge and technology."

This lab also shows it's reluctance to difinatively state that the sod1 gene actually CAUSES DM, in the following quote;

"Interpretation: The analysed dog is a carrier of the mutation in  exon 2 of SOD1-gene that has been SUGGESTED to be a major risk factor  for the development of Degenerative Myelopathy."

Looks to me like this lab is doing a courtesy by testing for the sod1 gene, but doesn't believe in the validity of the test.

Joan, did you read the link I posted here?

Villa, read all the available information on DM and decide for yourself how you use the results.

What do you in the US who follow the German guidelines intend to do should the SV require a DM DNA test prior to breeding? That could happen you know.

Looks to me like this lab is doing a courtesy by testing for the sod1 gene, but doesn't believe in the validity of the test.

How did you decide that, Joan?