Degenerative Myelopathy DNA Test - Page 1

just putting the word out


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Thank you for using DDC for your DNA testing needs in the past. We
just wanted to make our German Shepherd clients aware of a new DNA
testing option for Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

The DNA test reveals one of the 3 possible genotypes for DM:

1) CLEAR (those having 2 copies of the normal allele and appear to be
normal).
2) CARRIER (those having 1 copy of the normal allele and 1 copy of
the mutation but appear to be normal).
3) AFFECTED (those having 2 copies of the mutation and will likely
show clinical signs.)

It is important to note that although carriers will not show clinical
signs for the disease, if used for breeding, they will pass on the
mutation 50% of the time, therefore a carrier x carrier mating will
likely result in producing affected pups in 25% of the offspring.

Highlights regarding this new test include:

-DNA samples can be collected easily at home using buccal (cheek)
swabs provided as part of a free DNA sample collection kit.

-Pups can be DNA tested at ANY age.

-The cost for testing is $58 (US) per canine with a $10 discount per
test for 5 or more samples submitted at the same time. Payment can be
submitted with the return samples.

-DNA results are guaranteed to be mailed and emailed within 10
business days of receipt of the samples however results normally
average just a few days for completion.

Order the Degenerative Myopathy DNA Test Online here...
http://www.vetdnacenter.com/canine-disease-degenerative-myelopathy.html
or call 1-800-625-0874, or simply reply to this email.

Best Wishes,

Randall Smith
DDC Veterinary
One DDC Way
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
1-800-625-0874
www.vetdnacenter.com
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I would like to know if this is the same test as the one the OFA has.  I guess for those who don't want to chance their dogs get listed on the OFA as carriers can test through this instead. 

This is not the same company, but it seems the use the same procedure with a quick turn around and $7 less in fees.

The offa.org is the one to go with just pointing it out.  Their test is reliable as I have had many emails from people with affected dogs who's test came back with AA (at risk)  I have tested thus far 15 dogs  myself.   I am continiuing to test pups even out of NORMAL TO NORMAL combinations just so I can get a clear picture of any recessive genetic backlash.  Its been interesting.  A normal to carrier produced a carrier due to recessive genes overpowering the 75% normal vs the 25% mutated gene.   This is why we must continue to test the offspring just as much as we have hips and elbows rated.   A normal to normal breeding produced normal pups.  And, never, of course, breed Carrier to Carrier or any At Risk dog.   Even At Risk to Normal can produce At Risk offspring.  Now, can an At Risk to a Carrier produce an At Risk or Normal, I do not know.  I personally would not venture there. 

I feel we should stick to ONE agency, simply because that will help the statistics.  You do not have to disclose the dogs' name, however, the results are going to be part of their stats which is very important.

I just heard that VA Zeppo von Arminius too is DM FREE, thus another feather in his cap!!! Congrats to Steve Patch, his owner for taking the risk and responsibility to do this for the breed!

  Thanks you Uber Land for bringing up the subject which is very close to my heart as I lost two great dogs to this horrific disease!

There are thusfar only two breeders I found  who test for DM  - lets keep pushing for more of this!!!
If you know of any other breeders, pls post it here!!!

http://www.gildafk9.com/   Working lines

http://kerschberger.com    Show lines

Uber Land, thank you for the link.  Personally, I don't think OFA is the end all beat all, so glad to see there is an alternative.
Is anyone aware of any specific popular lines or linebreeding combinations where this has been seen more than occassionally?
I ask only because we recently lost a dear family member to DM, and would like to know if anyone has observed specific liines associated with DM.  Feel free to pm me if you think your response would be percieved as inflammatory.  Just looking for insight for the future.

If its inherited as an autosomal recessive at risk bred to normal will produce 100 percent carrier no at risk. as in any  case of autosomal recessive the goal in the first generation breedings is to produce no at risk offspring because eliminating all carriers will will be bad for the gene pool I have had all mine tested the results come back quick  http://www.offa.org/dnateststats.html they do not list carrier or at risk unless you sign off but you can research somewhat by looking at whats in the database         http://www.offa.org/results.html?num=&registrar=&namecontains=N&part=&breed%5B%5D=GS&breedlist=ALL&variety%5B%5D=&sex=&birthday_start_month=&birthday_start_year=&birthday_end_month=&birthday_end_year=&birthday=&regand=N&regcode%5B%5D=DM&rptdte_start_month=&rptdte_start_year=&rptdte_end_month=&rptdte_end_year=&rptdte=&submit=Begin+Search

I reiterate- only 2, as in 1+1 German Shepherd Spines were utilized in this research, so I fail to see how this test, which was developed primarily on Corgis and Boxers can have relevance to the German Shepherd Dog. German Shepherd Myelopthy (GSDM) is a  very different DM then the DM of other breeds. This test calls DM ALS. I guess that is like saying Black is white, or vice  versa, and what really is is thrown to the winds. In  humans only 10-20% of the people with ALS have a mutation of the SOD1 gene! So, what about the other 80-90 %? I think this is very very premature and very political- something the AKKCF is famous for. They never disappoint.

DM begins in the rear of the dog and moves forward. ALS can begin ANYWHERE in the body. Can anyone tell me if they ever heard of DM starting anywhere but in the rear, of a GSD...There is not ONE documented case where this has happened. If DM was ALS- it would BE called ALS and not DM! This is just ridiculous. Remember the story of the Emperor's New Clothes? The Emperor is buck naked, walking down the center of the highway, and very few have even taken notice.... Amazing! A sum total of 2 GSDS, and that is a basis for an extrapolation to an entire breed, when the preponderance of the subjects in the research were Corgis, Boxers, Kerry Blues and Rhodesian Ridgebacks, whose clubs funded that research. THE GSDCA did NOT fund this research because Dr Coates failed miserably in the research she did for the GSDCA. At that time, upon necropsy, it was discovered that she only diagnosed 25 % of the dogs correctly with DM. I used to be a teacher, and If that was graded in school, she would have received a grade of "F" for FAILED! and FAILED MISERABLY, I might add! I truly dont get it.... This is just mind boggling....We dont have Corgis or Boxers, or Kerry Blues or Rhodesian Ridgebacks, for that matter- we have GERMAN SHEPHERDS and our breed gets GSDM! Would you tout, as the gospel, something that was not even written in stone but rather called *probable* that had been tested on 2 people, and insist to the world  you had all the answers? Well, I guess there are those who would.....

..and to the breeder who tests for DM who suggested I was not observing Jack Flash's wishes, and was doing his memory a disservice, go to hell! When you know as much about DM as I do, and have invested as many years as I have learning about DM and supporting DM research, then and only then could you even contemplate sitting in judgment of me. However, you can NEVER, EVER sit in judgment of what Jack Flash thinks of what I have done in his memory! What freakin nerve! How presumptious of you! You disgust me and your words were intentionally meant to inflict as much harm as you could possibly do. You are the lowest form of life that has ever existed on this planet!  I dont know how you can stand to get up in the morning and look at yourself in the mirror. IMHO, you have a dark, twisted and evil soul, woman! You will never get a recommendation from me- not ever. The problem is that you dont know what you dont know and have no clue you do not know it!

Marjorie
Executive Director: New Beginnings Shepherd Rescue www.newbeginningsrescue.com 501 C3
OUR BUILDING PROJECT PHOTOS
http://www.gsd911.com Our German Shepherd Rescue Forum http://www.gsdbbr.org The German Shepherd Dog Breed Betterment Registry
http://mzjf.com --> The Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group

I would ask everyone that has had a gsd diagnosed with DM to send in a swab for this test and see what the results come back as.  Maybe we could get some idea of reliability that way.  It might be helpful for the overall results and determining accuracy.   Even if it's just a pet, even if it's spayed/neutered,  etc.  Send it in if you can afford the test.   See what comes back.   If they come back as "affected"  or "at risk" which I think is the OFA wording, that would seem to suggest some measure of accuracy, no? 

Heather

Or maybe they should submit a Flash test, which was developed using research from GERMAN SHEPHERDS for GERMAN SHEPHERDS! Why bother testing for a DM that is not the type contracted by GSDS? Are we trying to prove that German Shepherds dont get the same DM as corgis, boxers, etc? We already know that as the protocol doesnt work on those breeds!

www.caninehealthinfo.org/brdreqs.html
FYI- The OFA DOES utilize Dr Clemmons Flash Test in its Chic Database for breed specific illnesses! Its right there on the GSD CHIC page!

http://www.caninehealthinfo.org/brdreqs.html?breed=GS