I have oftentimes wondered what mix of breeds our rescue dogs are. It wasn't until our beloved Manny was diagnosed with severe skin and food allergies that veterinarians brought up the option of canine DNA test.
Prior to this I had never heard or thought about testing a dog's DNA. Again, this is one of those times I found myself saying, "What will they think of next?" But, at that time, about 10 years ago, this testing was too pricey, so we opted not to do it. While the test could have told us the dog breeds Manny was made up of, it wouldn't take away all the medical issues he suffered from...or so we thought.
Fast forward years later when we were again presented with the option of canine DNA testing when our Abby suffered her first epileptic seizure.
Again, the veterinarian talked about canine DNA testing, this time putting emphasis on the many benefits of the test, including find out if our dog carried the MDR1-mutation, as this pose severe adverse reactions to some common drugs. Have you heard about MDR1-mutation in dogs? I hadn't until the vet talked to me more about in relation to the canine DNA testing.
So, what is the MDR1-mutation and why should you be aware of it and test your mixed breed for this mutation?...
"MDR1 or
Multi-Drug Resistance 1 is a genetic mutation found in some herding and
sighthound breeds, as well as many mixed-breed dogs. The MDR1 gene is
responsible for production of a protein called P-glycoprotein. The
P-glycoprotein molecule is a drug transport pump that plays an important role
in limiting drug absorption and distribution (particularly to the brain) and
enhancing the excretion/elimination of many drugs used in dogs."
The vet said that it is important for dog owners, both those with rescue and pure-bred (those with the high-propensity breeds) dogs to test their mixed-breed dogs for this mutation, and to share results with their veterinarian so they can provide the dog with for the best possible care. Has your mixed-breed dog been tested yet? Find out more information on breeds and drugs affected by the MDR1 mutation by visiting www.wisdompanel.com/MDR1_Disease_Screening.
When I was sat down the second time when our Abby got sick, the veterinarian shared the following benefits about doing a canine DNA test...
o As mentioned, the canine DNA test can determine if your mixed breed carried the MDR1 mutation, thus testing for drug sensitivity.
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The ability to develop a training program that
works with their natural instincts (breeds) and a better understanding their
behavior characteristics.
o She brought our previous rescue dog Manny up and talked about how a DNA test could help them develop a nutrition plan for breed-specific
needs that could help with certain food allergies, thus preventing or alleviating skin irritations like we had to deal with for several years with Manny. Nutritional plans could also be developed to help mixed breed dog owners to achieve/maintain healthy weight with their pets.
o For those with a new pup, the canine DNA test is perfect in shedding light on what the adult size of your
dog might be. Have you ever fallen in love with a puppy at a store or shelter and wondered how big they would actually get? You may have been told one thing only to find as the months go by that your mixed breed continued to get bigger and bigger. A simple DNA test could have helped assist you with knowing the adult size of your dog.
o Most importantly and talked about most was that the canine DNA test could help dog owners understand the breeds within your dog, in
order to look out for any breed-specific health concerns or common issues. This is how we found out about Abby's breed makeup -- Papilon and Chihuahua mix, that was able to help answer our questions on why she was suffering from seizures, as it was common in her mixed breed families.
With millions of mixed-breed dog owners in the U.S., having access to reliable breed ancestry information can be critical for the nutrition, training and overall health care of their furry family member. Understanding the breeds that make up their dog enables much more targeted care and in some cases provides lifesaving information. 
Here is more about the Wisdom Panel 3.0 test, so that you can decide if it is right for your pet...
"Mars Veterinary, the industry leader in canine genetic testing, is launching their next evolution of the canine DNA test—Wisdom Panel® 3.0— and is not only expanding the breed screening coverage, but the medical applications as well with the new MDR1 Genetic Mutation screening. "
More about Wisdom Panel® 3.0:
o Covers 250+ breeds, types and varieties including all those recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and can be run for mixed-breed, designer, or purebred dogs.
o Provides ancestry information back to the great-grandparent level, MDR1 Genetic Mutation screening results, and a predicted weight profile.
o Can be done at home and consists of two swabs that the owner rubs between the gum and the cheek for 15 seconds to collect skin cells for DNA extraction.
o Results take approximately 2-3 weeks from the time the test reaches the lab.
o Can be run for mixed-breed, purebred and designer dogs. The owner chooses at the time of kit activation.
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| Learn more about the Wisdom Panel 3.0 Now |
Wisdom Panel® 3.0 Canine DNA Test Kit includes:
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Instructions
o
DNA cheek swabs – all for use on one dog
o
Drying insert for swabs
o
Pre-paid return shipping box
Visit www.WisdomPanel.com for
more information and to purchase a kit.
What I like best about the Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA test is that it can be done in the comfort of your home. The previous canine DNA test we done on Abby had to be done at the vet and consisted of blood work and a cheek swab. I don't know about your dogs, but all of our rescue dogs have never been fond of the vet's office. They sensed when we were going and would shake all the way there in the car, at the vet's office, until we came back home. I, for one, love the convenience of this at-home canine DNA test and that it is easy to do, with a simple cheek swap. Visit www.WisdomPanel.com to learn more about the Wisdom Panel 3.0 test, including how to purchase a kit for your dog(s).
Do you live in or around the Scottsdale, AZ area? If so, you will want to add Dec. 5th to your calendar and make a point to stop by the Wisdom Panel.3.0 booth at the Holiday Pet Festival with your furry friend for a pet swabbing on-site. You can also get more information about Wisdom Panel® 3.0 and be educated on the benefits of Canine DNA testing while at the event. More information about the event can be found at http://holidaypetfestival.com/. Note: Consumers can get their dog swabbed onsite at event for a discounted price of $39.99. For those wanting to take home a kit, they can be purchased for the discounted price of $49.99 (MSRP $84.99).
So, as we go into the holidays, why not consider picking up a Wisdom Panel 3.0 test to do on your mixed breed? This simple test will provide so much useful information about your mixed breed's ancestry for both you and your vet, that will help in planning proper nutritional, behavioral and fitness plans specific to your dog...just to name a few benefits. I can't wait to see what our recent rescue dog, Milly's ancestry is...can you guess her mixed breeds?
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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel 3.0. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
I would like to have our girls tested thanks for sharing this info.
ReplyDeleteheather [email protected]