The Degenerative Myelopathy (SOD1A) results for your dog or your breeding program carry important implications for the health and well-being of your dog and future generations.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the spinal cord in certain dog breeds, particularly in older dogs. It leads to the degeneration of nerve fibers, resulting in hind limb weakness and difficulty in walking. The condition gradually worsens over time, and unfortunately, there is no cure for DM. It is essential to note that DM does not cause pain, but it does significantly impact a dog's mobility and quality of life.
If your dog tests positive for the SOD1A mutation associated with DM, it means that they carry one copy of the mutated gene and are considered a carrier. Carriers usually do not exhibit symptoms of DM but can pass the mutated gene to their offspring. It is crucial to be aware of your dog's carrier status, especially if you plan to breed them, as mating two carriers can result in offspring inheriting two copies of the mutated gene, leading to an increased risk of developing DM.
If you are considering breeding your dog, it is highly recommended to avoid mating two carriers together. Breeding two carriers increases the likelihood of producing puppies that inherit two copies of the mutated gene, which significantly raises their risk of developing DM. Puppies with two copies of the mutation are at a higher risk of developing the disease compared to carriers or non-carriers.
To make informed breeding decisions, you should ideally mate your carrier dog with a dog that has tested negative for the DM mutation. This way, you can avoid producing puppies with two copies of the mutated gene, ensuring a reduced risk of DM in the offspring.
You can learn more about the SODA1 variant and how results should be applied to a breeding program in a breed-specific manner by visiting embarkvet.com/breeders/resources/canine-genetics-for-dog-breeders/health-spotlight/dm/.
Have questions? Your MyEmbark account includes information about your dog's sample status, your dog's results, and many other helpful resources. Log in to your account here!
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