- Main
- News and events
- Genetic Testing for Dogs: Diagnosing Hereditary Diseases
Genetic Testing for Dogs: Diagnosing Hereditary Diseases
A healthy offspring is the goal of every breeder of purebred dogs
To assess the health of breeding dogs, DNA testing is performed — specialized analyses aimed at identifying hereditary pathologies passed from generation to generation.
A disease manifests in offspring if they inherit a mutated gene copy from both the mother and the father. If the mutation is present in only one parent, the offspring are simply carriers of the disease.
Genetic testing allows breeders to properly select pairs, ensuring the positive development of the breed. Over several generations, such research makes it possible — without reducing genetic diversity — to select dogs with ideal physical and working characteristics and free of undesirable genes. Let’s take a look at the most common diseases that require mandatory testing.
Von Willebrand Disease Type I (VWD Type I)
One of the most common hereditary disorders, similar to hemophilia, characterized by sudden bleeding from the oral and nasal mucosa, as well as internal organs.
Genetic test results for this and other diseases are interpreted as follows:
- MM — high risk of developing the disease; the gene will be passed on to the offspring.
- NM — low risk of developing the disease; the offspring are potential carriers of the gene.
- NN — no risk of developing the disease caused by this mutation; the offspring will not inherit the gene.
This condition poses a serious danger to the animal, complicating recovery after injuries and increasing the risk of excessive bleeding during childbirth or surgeries.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
A severe disease leading to the deterioration and death of nerve cells. It starts with a subtle weakness in one or both hind limbs, eventually progressing to complete paralysis.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA-rcd3)
This disease initially manifests as poor vision in low light, especially noticeable when the dog moves through unfamiliar areas. Over time, it leads to complete blindness and may also result in secondary cataracts.
Genetic defects affect dogs of all breeds. To keep your pet healthy and ensure optimal offspring, genetic testing is essential. At Animal Clinic, we can guide you through the entire breeding process — from pregnancy planning to the birth of puppies.