Genetic Health Testing

 

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Depending on their genetic background and parental clearances, our dogs are health tested before breeding. Below are what we test for (all results must be clear of any issues either through official laboratory testing or by parental clearances ):

 

 

 

Official DNA Blueprinting

 

This is sent directly to the national purebred registry (Societé Centrale Canine) to be recorded and allows puppy owners to prove the parentage of their dogs.

 

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Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

 

(Also called Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy)

 

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Degenerative myelopathy (DM), also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM), is a disease affecting the spinal cord, resulting in slowly progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis. The symptoms result from degeneration of the white matter of the spinal cord. DM is similar to some of the forms of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A genetic mutation, SOD-1, has been identified as a major risk factor for DM. The condition is most common in middle-aged to older dogs, with a range from 4-14 years. It has been reported in young dogs on rare occasions.

 

 

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Multi-Drug Resistance Gene (MDR-1)

 

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Multi-Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1) is a gene that is meant for helping to protect the brain. This gene specifically codes for P-glycoprotein, which is responsible for transporting certain drugs out of the brain. If this gene is mutated, it will create a defective protein, and consequently, drugs will remain and build up in the brain to toxic levels. This dominant gene is inherited from the parents, whether the parent has two copies of the gene or only one copy. If neither parent has a copy of the mutated MDR1 gene, then neither will the offspring.

 

 The dog with a mutated MDR gene will have increased sensitivity to certain drug molecules, including macrocyclic lactones (such as Ivermectin).

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Inflammatory Myopathy

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Von Willebrand Type1 (VWD1)

 

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Spongy Degeneration w/ Cerebellar Ataxia (SDCA 1&2)

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Hip & Elbow Dysplasia / Spinal Spondylosis / Shoulder OCD

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We regularly perform X-rays on our dogs (after 24 months of age) to ensure they are healthy and apt to train and compete in sports. 

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Hip and elbow dysplasia is a condition that occurs during the growth stage in dogs. It results in the loosening of the joint, which causes dysfunction and pain. As the dog grows, the cartilage and bone of the hip or elbow begin to wear down. Over time, this causes arthritis, muscle atrophy, and limited mobility.

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Spondylosis Deformans is a degenerative condition of the vertebral bones, and it commonly develops in dogs as part of the natural aging process. It can also be caused by trauma (both small and major injury) or in those that have a genetic predisposition to bone spurs (resembling parakeet beaks).

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Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD or OD) is an inflammatory condition that occurs when the diseased cartilage separates from the underlying bone. It most commonly affects the shoulder joint but the elbow, hip, knee (stifle), or hock (tarsus) may also be affected.

 

 

 

​Heart Murmur

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A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound, usually heard by listening to the heart with a stethoscope. A heart murmur is caused by turbulent blood flow within the heart. Since it is impossible to know if a puppy's heart murmur is congenital or genetic, we take every precaution to prevent the latter from being the cause of such an affliction by ensuring that we do NOT reproduce from any animal who has ever been diagnosed with any type (systolic, diastolic, continuous) or degree of heart murmur (they are graded by severity up to 6). Puppies are all sold with health veterinary certificates.

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Esthetics tests for conformation and breed type...

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Long Hair Gene (LH)

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Dilution Gene (DIL)

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