Genetic and other Health Testing - Page 2

 I think until testing is done and evidence released to the general public and not hidden by breeders then we will never know the true facts.  My vet feels that MDR-1 testing is important as it could prevent inappropriate meds being given and that in its own way will extend life.  I would also be interested to see if dogs who are carriers/affected for MDR-1, are also prone to dodgy stomachs, mucky ears etc and see if some kind of compromised immunity runs along side it.  This is due to EPI and pannus being connected to immunity problems in the breed.

DM testing is not black and white.  As even dogs diagnosed as affected are not definately going to develop the illness in its lifetime, it has the potential to cause a lot of stress to the owner.  However I still think the test can be used effectively to breed stock that are only carriers and clears but dogs who are tested "affected" should not be treated like lepers, after all they will often pass away with other things before DM even starts.

 One thing to add, yes as breeders we need to do as much as is sensible, but we must never lose sight of the fact that Mother Nature is extremely Cruel.

Dogs with good scores  for generations can still get Hip and or Elbow dysplacia.
Whilst DM can be ruled out, it doesnt remove other things that appear similar to DM.

A dog is never just the health score you get presented with.  We dont want to breed from visually poor specimens just because they have good health screening.  Also we shouldnt breed from a dog that wins and wins, but has hidden health records, or none at all.  The decision should be made to breed by weighing up all the evidence 

 It is marvelous we have new and changing tests and technology available.. However we should also remember that health screening should be an ongoing process.

Certification programs have limited tests that are not fully accurate and also  that certify dogs for life, yet are made on a one time implication.
 
I too utilize some tools, but you cant use them asa tell all and honestly for something like thyroid, diabetes etc.. a one time test is not indicative or void of much. The same can be said for most of the certifications..... Wonder what the future will bring?

Ongoing awrenss in a dogs lifetime and paying attention to what siblings have and or produce as well as many family members as possible is very much valuable... more so then a one time deal. But that doesnt mean ditch the tests either.



Debi @
www.sherman-ranch.us

Here's a good article from the OFA website.  www.offa.org/pdf/hovanart.pdf

I know that a lot of these tests are new, but I hope that someday they can just put together a breed specific DNA package, where you send in 1 sample to 1 lab and they run all the genetic screening tests for your specific breed.  Like when you get a blood panel done, they tell you like 25 things from 1 sample.  It would be easier and cheaper, and hopefully that would encourage more breeders to do genetic health testing.  Just a thought.

Here are some of the available genetic tests that are out there and recommended for the German Shepherd Dog.

MDR1 Test - www.vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/index.aspx 

DM - www.offa.org/dnatesting/dm.html

JRD - www.dogenes.com/

MPS VII - research.vet.upenn.edu/Default.aspx

Anal Furunculosis - www.genoscoper.com/in_english2/gene_tests/gene_tests/anal_furunculosis-dla_risk_gen/