Background
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a disease, which is first diagnosed later on in life, as late as after 8 years of age. The disease develops due to a slow degeneration of the neural system in the backbone, which results in progressive loss of function. The initial stages include paralysis of the legs. The disease is frequently found, which led research to identify two mutations in the SOD1-gene.
Test specific information
This mutation for DM is a mutation in exon 1 of the SOD1 gene.
Age
?Late onset? ? This phrase indicates, that the symptoms of the disease can be detected at a later ages. ?Late onset? is the opposite of ?early onset?, in which symptoms may be present at younger ages. The phrases are used because the mutation causing ?late onset? symptoms may be different compared to the mutations causing ?early onset? symptoms.
Throughput
Normally the result can be expected within 15 working days. This turn-around-time starts when both the sample and the fully filled-out and signed submission form have been received.
Location of disease or trait
This disease is present in the entire body, but causes main effects in the internal organs such as stomach, intestinal tract, liver and / or kidneys. In a number of cases, the disease affects one major internal organ.
Breed dependence
This DNA test is available for the following breeds: Bernese Mountain Dog.
Sample type
For this DNA test we accept the following materials: Blood Heparin, Blood EDTA, Swab, Semen, Tissue. Please contact PharmaDNA if you wish to submit other material as listed.
Result
An animal can be free and has in that situation two healthy alleles. When used in breeding this animal will not become ill due to the disease. It cannot spread the disease in the population.An animal can be carrier and has in that situation one healthy and one disease allele. When used in breeding 50 percent of the offspring will receive the disease allele. Carriers will not become ill.An animal can be affected and has in that situation two disease alleles. When used in breeding all offspring will also receive the disease allele. Affected will become ill.
Inheritance
This genetic factor is inherited in an autosomal, recessive, mode. This means, that the individual can be free of the disease (homozygote normal), affected (homozygous affected) or carrier (heterozygous). Carriers may spread the mutation in a population without showing symptoms themselves. Because of this, it is extremely important to identify carriers correctly to prevent spreading of a mutation.
Severity of Disease
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