Why didn't Embark indicate the mast cell tumor risk in my dog's results?

Embark’s current Mast Cell Tumor (MCT) test uses an ancestry-based genetic predictive risk model but, as with all genetic health testing, is not a diagnostic tool. This risk model looks at large numbers of single and mixed-breed dogs and evaluates the relationship between ancestry and disease risk.

Some dogs might not have MCT results, due to one or more of the following factors:

• Genetic markers not clear – We could not successfully analyze the genetic markers known to be associated with MCT in your dog’s DNA.
• Genetic sex – Genetic sex is a contributing factor in determining the estimated risk for MCT. If your dog cannot be identified genetically as male or female, we cannot factor that into our estimated risk algorithm and therefore cannot provide an MCT result at this time. To learn more about genetic sex and intersexed dogs, please contact us.
• Classic Results - We are unable to provide results for dogs with a breed ancestry with lower MCT risk that were tested prior to March, 2026. 

You can help with Embark’s research by completing both the Annual Health Survey and our Cancer survey found on the ‘Research’ tab of your dog’s MyEmbark profile.