OFA DM DNA TEST: Fact or Fiction? - Page 2

Honestly I don't think many GSDCA members are using the DNA test. My friend who lost her 2 to DM had a hard time finding a puppy out of DNA tested parents. A few of the the big players in the breed outright stated they won't use the test even though one of them was the breeder of my friend's 2 effected dogs and she also owned and bred the sire. He had produced other dogs with suspected DM and all out of him tested were either at risks or carriers. Another of the big names owned the dog that sired that male, none of his breeding stock is tested either. There's no way to know this for sure, but I wouldn't be too surprised to learn that many of the dogs that are listed on the OFA database were tested as a part of a diagnostic process after they had already become symptomatic. It would be interesting to know the results of those tests too.

I heard the seminar was awful, not well attended, and that Dr Coates did a poor job of answering questions, stumbling on her answers or changing the subject. This was from several open minded attendees who were not impressed, at all. In fact, they were quite disappointed. . Many involved in the health of the breed had wanted them to invite both Dr Clemmons and Dr Coates, so both could be questioned on their differing views of DM, where they  could address each other and each other's point of view, but the present President of the GSDCA  has always been a staunch supporter of Dr Coates and a non supporter of Dr Clemmons, unlike past officers of the Club. This administration had no interest in inviting Dr Clemmons.  I left the club, despite having served on the Health Committee, and having co-authored the 2006-2007 Health and Genetics Blue Book (bringing it back when it had not been published in years.) due to the fact that the dogs were secondary and playing second fiddle to politics :( I felt it was hopeless or I would have stuck it out. We all know I am tenacious, so if I left and gave up, you can only imagine what the Club had become. The Ethics committee had refused to address issues of dog abuse, by certain breeders, despite documented, notarized witness statements. Most of the breeders circled the wagons around the abusers, and no disciplinary action was taken. There is just no excuse for that! I refuse to be a part of a club that tolerates or ignores that type of behavior :( I hope animal abusers rot in hell, along with people who cover up for them and let them walk away  with no consequences. My only solace is that I believe in Karma,and that one cannot ever hide from it :)

That depends on who you're talking to, I heard otherwise and so far what I've seen of the video, it seemed well done and informative. Seminars held during NS's are traditionally not well attended, too many other things going on, and when the seminar is technical and regarding a disease like DM there's a lot of apathy among breeders.  Some seem to think it's not their problem because they've never personally dealt with a DM dog and/or haven't bred one as far as they know.  Denial is not just a river. At any rate, the video is on the the GSDCA.ORG website for anyone who is interested. There is also a PDF document of Coates' slides that make it easy to follow along with her narrative. People can watch it and judge for themselves.

I don't see how the points Marjorie brings up can be ignored. From what I see DM testing is being used as a marketing gimmick surpassing HD testing as a sign of a responsible breeder. Marjorie lays out a compelling argument that the test can not be an indicator for the form of DM that afflicts GSDs. It would be great if this test could reliably weed out those dogs passing on DM but it is quite possible dogs that are really the problem are being held above reproach once they pass this test. Since the test is being billed as settled science how much of a problem will it take before people start to question it ?

 Which dogs are held above reproach due to their test results?

All dogs testing clear and their progeny are no longer suspected of passing on DM., thus they are above reproach in that respect.

The average person seeing on a website that the parents of a litter were certified clear of DM by the OFA would draw the conclusion that it would be impossible for the progeny to contract DM. 

Have you seen the video I talked about? What's the difference between a breeder who assumes his stock is free of the DM factor because of test results  and doesn't continue to test or the breeder who never tests at all? 

There are currently a number of reports on the net that address both pros and cons of the DNA test, Coates theory, Clemmon's theory. Those who are  interested, should learn and then decide the best course of action for them. To test or not should be based on facts, not emotions.

Although I AM emotional, I am basing my stance upon FACTS! Not only my emotions!!! It would be impossible, in this short time frame for any follow up to prove this test is correct.. WAKE UP!!!!  not one generation of tested dogs, let alone their progeny. Think Emperor's New Clothes! There is ZERO science behind this- just cha-ching, as the cash register opens and closes.

I cannot imagine the shape human  medicine would be in, if the same standards were applied. Why should be settle for less for our dogs? My son is a dr- he is the head of pediatric emergency medicine at  2 major hospitals. He lwas dumbfounded when I explained the manner in which this test was embraced. This is NOT science! This would not *fly* in human medicine- it would be a joke! I showed him the 180 degree apart diagnostic test results and he said it did not present, test wise, as the same disease. I am going to try to get him to look at the entire study later, but since he is here on vacation, I dont know if we will have the time. My son is board certified in 3 different specialties.

Markobytes is correct- most people arent educated enough to realize clear does not equate to DM free lines. I have had problems with breeders trolling my DM message boards, promoting DM free lines. Seriously, I want to punch them for preying on people who have been through hell and back, but , alas, all I can do is ban them from my board and let people know its a crock!