DNA health testing

[skip11]

Anyone here DNA test their dogs for genetics diseases?

I just ordered a kit for mine from https://embarkvet.com/

Curious if he has any genetics diseases.

[skip11]

UPDATE:

He's clear for all genetic diseases except one, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (crd4/cord1 gene) which is gradual non-painful loss of vision. He is at risk (inherently has a greater chance of developing PRA compared to a dog with two healthy alleles) of developing the disease, even it's not a 100% chance.

[S_B]

Never heard of such a test, that's pretty cool. Did you test the same fella that you had all the issues with?

S_B

[skip11]

Yes sir I tested Achilles. He's been healthy so far but the blood work from early May indicates high creatinine and ureum for the kidney. Other than that he's been strong and healthy, liver is fine. Gonna do another bloodwork end of July. I'm happy that his sickness is nothing genetic but now if I ever breed him I gotta take a consideration that he's affected with PRA.

[SGC]

Humm, I had not heard of that Embark DNA health test. It sounds like a good idea and a pretty simple test to do.

The one I've heard most about over the years is the OFA testing which started as mainly testing for hip dysplasia in dogs. Looking at their site quickly, it looks like they do a lot more testing.

https://www.ofa.org/diseases/breed-statistics#detail

If you look up American Pit Bull Terrier, they list off several tests. I know some pit bulls have had hip and elbow problems. I know little about health testing but I think those OFA tests mean taking x-rays of the hips and elbows.

Anyone here ever had this done?

[skip11]

Yes, OFA is for hips and elbows to see if they're displastic or not but it's not a genetic/DNA test. I think more APBT breeders could do more health testing to cull out any undesirable diseases. The one my dog is currently "at risk" at apparently is getting more prevalent.

[SGC]

Hey Skip11 did you get the Breeders test or the regular one? I am not sure what the difference is other than one is $199 and the Breeders one is $179.

This Embark DNA test checks for 165 genetic health issues so it sounds like a good value for the cost. And it is pretty simple to do, it is just a swab of the dog's mouth to collect saliva for the test.

I agree, breeders should take advantage of such tests to check the health of their stock. Some tests are much more costly and only check one or two things, so this one sounds like a good start.

[skip11]

I think I got the $199 one. Yeah, this DNA test is great. Working stock breeders should start health testing their stock even though physically it may not crop up, the dog may be a carrier and can affect future generations.

[SGC]

Thanks Skip11, I am thinking I will try this test. The young gyp in my avatar is down from some old Hollingsworth/Patricks blood. I'm considering breeding her in about a yr, and feel this DNA test would be a good idea.

I think I will email the Embark folks and ask them what the difference is in the 2 tests. It does not say on their web site. Yeah, why not use modern technology to improve our dogs. Breeders of other breeds do it, why shouldn't APBT breeders do some health testing too.

[S_B]

Great tool to advance a breedig program no doubt.

But....

If you have a dog who has proven their gameness and or performance, but tests positive for genetic diseases do you not breed them?

Curious what folks think.

S_B

[skip11]

I personally would BUT I would choose a bitch (linebred and performing as well if possible) that's not a carrier or affected (so bitch should be CLEAR for all the genetic diseases). That way if the stud is affected, the offsprings would not be affected but will be carriers only.

[Black Hand]

I would not sacrifice the future health of the yard for even the best one I've seen. Obviously there are a lot of different factors you could inject into this scenario like is this animal down from my stuff? The ones I have are already affected or carriers? This is a isolated case? I rather not breed to a dog with health issues.