Understanding your Mast Cell Tumor ("MCT") results

What is Mast Cell Tumor?

Mast Cell Tumor (MCT) is the most common malignant skin tumor in dogs. These tumors consist of white blood cells and tend to form masses in or under the skin on the head, neck, limbs, and trunk, but can also affect some internal organs. The average age of onset is 7 years, although tumors may develop at any age. The majority of MCTs can be cured by surgery alone.

Your dog’s genetic health results may show either of the following for the Mast Cell Tumor (“MCT”) estimated risk assessment. 

1. Increased Risk 
2. Average Risk
3. Below Average Risk

Increased Risk – If your dog’s MCT results show an increased risk, we know this can be scary. Please note that this is not a diagnosis but an estimated risk assessment based on your dog's genetic composition and breed ancestry. 

We’ve determined that certain breeds have an increased risk of developing certain health conditions (in this case, MCT). Additionally, we’ve identified numerous genetic variants associated with the disease in previously affected dogs. We combine ancestry percentage and genetic variant data with additional information that may influence the probability of disease, like sex,to develop an algorithm that estimates an individualized risk score for your dog. This is called ancestry-based risk. 

Breeders: We do not recommend using ancestry-based risk assessments like this as the sole factor in your decision-making as a breeder. MCT is not a monogenic condition (where a single genetic mutation can impact expression) so it won’t follow the inheritance patterns you may be familiar with. While this testing model looks at multiple genetic markers, it represents only a small fraction of risk within a breed and there are other genetic and non-genetic risk factors that our current algorithm cannot capture but that should be considered. 

To learn more about this condition and your dog’s personalized results, go to the Health tab of their profile within your MyEmbark account. If you have questions or concerns about your dog’s Embark results, please contact us. If you have concerns about your dog’s health, regarding MCT or any other medical condition, we strongly recommend you contact your veterinarian. 

Average or Below Average Result – If your dog’s MCT results show an average or below average risk, this is estimated based on your dog’s genetic composition and breed ancestry. This is not a diagnosis, but an estimated risk assessment, so it’s still wise to keep an eye on your dog and discuss any concerns with your veterinarian.