This is a placeholder text
Group text
by Liebe on 22 May 2011 - 18:05
by Abby Normal on 22 May 2011 - 18:05
Following on from Liebe's comment, I think this is one of the clearest explanations about the DM test, and the one which I found most useful
Normal (N/N)
This dog is homozygous N/N, with two normal copies of the gene. In the seven breeds studied at the University of Missouri in depth so far, dogs with test results of N/N (Normal) have never been confirmed to have DM. This dog can only transmit the normal gene to its offspring, and it is unlikely that this dog or its offspring will ever develop DM.
Carrier (A/N)
This dog is heterozygous A/N, with one mutated copy of the gene and one normal copy of the gene, and is classified as a carrier. In the seven breeds studied at the University of Missouri in depth so far, dogs with test results of A/N have never been confirmed to have DM. While it is highly unlikely this dog will ever develop DM, this dog can transmit either the normal gene or the mutated gene to its offspring.
At-Risk (A/A)
This dog is homozygous A/A, with two mutated copies of the gene, and is at risk for developing Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). The research has shown that all dogs in the research study with confirmed DM have had A/A DNA test results, however, not all dogs testing as A/A have shown clinical signs of DM. DM is typically a late onset disease, and dogs testing as A/A that are clinically normal may still begin to show signs of the disease as they age. Some dogs testing A/A did not begin to show clinical signs of DM until they were 15 years of age. Research is ongoing to estimate what percentage of dogs testing as A/A will develop DM within their lifespan. At this point, the mutation can only be interpreted as being at risk of developing DM within the animal’s life. For dogs showing clinical signs with a presumptive diagnosis of DM, affected (A/A) test results can be used as an additional tool to aid in the diagnosis of DM. Dogs testing At-Risk (A/A) can only pass the mutated gene on to their offspring.
by Abby Normal on 22 May 2011 - 19:05
DM is a disease which occurs generally quite late in a dogs life, but it is not a disease that is a result of old age. If it is your dog that develops it be it 8, 10 or 12 years old, that fact will not make you feel any better about it, believe me. If you factored out the DM, what age might that dog reach?
Whilst one may yearn for other tests to become available, we can at least work with what we have, and hope that success with research into other conditions is forthcoming in the near future. At least with EPI the condition can often be managed very well with enzyme supplementation. There is nothing that can be done to treat DM period.
by kesyra on 22 May 2011 - 19:05
I agree with Liebe, I too would like to see a test for EPI, which I belive to be a simple recessive trait. Any developments on that one?
It is a shame that the PDB often ends up in a slanging match or someones poor dog being slated, as we are all here because we love and care for the future the breed.........aren't we?
Katrina
by Videx on 22 May 2011 - 20:05
by Abby Normal on 22 May 2011 - 21:05
It is a shame that the PDB often ends up in a slanging match or someones poor dog being slated, as we are all here because we love and care for the future the breed.........aren't we?
I am a little mystified by this part of your post. So far as I can see - no slanging match, no poor dogs being slated, and we are having a discussion about which we for the most part agree ?
It's very refreshing IMO.
by yorkjason on 22 May 2011 - 21:05
by Liebe on 22 May 2011 - 22:05
Clear
Genotype: N / N [ Homozygous normal ]
The dog is noncarrier of the mutant gene.
It is very unlikely that the dog will show signs of the Degenerative Myelopathy
This does not say WILL NOT develop. This is something I have discussed at length with Laboklin, as both my breeds can be affected by this horrid condition.
by Videx on 22 May 2011 - 23:05
Normal (N/N)
This dog is homozygous N/N, with two normal copies of the gene. In the seven breeds studied at the University of Missouri in depth so far, dogs with test results of N/N (Normal) have never been confirmed to have DM. This dog can only transmit the normal gene to its offspring, and it is unlikely that this dog or its offspring will ever develop DM
by Abby Normal on 23 May 2011 - 07:05
I personally would prefer that all DNA health tests be done via a vet, to preserve the integrity of the test and confirm the ID of the dog. I've stated this view in the past. But you know I thought about it, and with DM being such an terrible disease, I would rather see testing take place under any conditions than not at all.
If a proper breed scheme was set up, through the KC, I would think that the swab being taken and submitted through a vet could be a requirement of the scheme for the future.
Liebe, I find the fact that no N/N dogs so far have developed the disease to be highly encouraging, and it is a fact that those dogs carry normal genes. With it being late onset I guess we could wait another 20 years or so to see if we do get one or two cropping up that do develop the disease. In the meantime we would be doing nothing to attempt to address this problem. Notwithstanding the fact that if no-one were testing there would be an insufficient number of dogs to verify this.
I guess there will always be some that don't want to test for whatever reason, and of course that is their personal choice. I have gradually come to realise that no matter how 'right' something may be, or we personally think it is, there will always be differing opinions, and without
mandatory regulations you cannot 'make' someone adopt health testing.
But I for one, and I know thousands of others would certainly like to have the opportunity to choose a puppy in the future from those who do. If only to 'better the odds' against their dog going on to develop DM.
Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top