All our dogs are health tested prior to breeding. This page provides more information about the health and genetic tests we utilize.
Good health starts with good genes. Embark Vet is helping us care for dogs in a way that leads to a higher quality of life, for longer. We've come a long way in understanding the genetics of health and disease, and we have much farther to go.
Knowing the genetic history of your dog is an important aspect to finding a puppy that will be healthy for many many years. While still not a guarantee against every possible health condition, a DNA test is one way we do genetic health testing. Our dogs are DNA health-tested using Embark Vet to test for known genetic health conditions. Embark collaborates with canine genetics researchers around the world. Ongoing research includes Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Lymphoma, Atopy & Alergic Tendencies, and Irritable Bowl Disease & Food Intolerancce ... READ MORE
Knowing the genetic history of your dog is an important aspect to finding a puppy that will be healthy for many many years. While still not a guarantee against every possible health condition, a DNA test is one way we do genetic health testing. Our dogs are DNA health-tested using Embark Vet to test for known genetic health conditions. Embark collaborates with canine genetics researchers around the world. Ongoing research includes Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Lymphoma, Atopy & Alergic Tendencies, and Irritable Bowl Disease & Food Intolerancce ... READ MORE
Below are the genetic health conditions tested on all our dogs. Descriptions provided by Embark.
Progessive Retinal Atrophy, Prcd (PRA)
This retinal disease causes progressive, non-painful vision loss. The retina contains the cells, photoreceptors, that collect information about light: that is, they are the very beginning of how we see. There are two types of photoreceptors: rods, which gather information about light intensity and are the major contributors to night vision, and cones, which distinguish color and are the major contributors to day vision. In nearly all forms of PRA, the rod cells are affected first, leading to night blindness. They are followed by the cone cells, leading to day blindness. The mechanisms by which the photoreceptors degenerate vary depending on the specific mutation that causes PRA. However, the readout is the same: the dog experiences a slow loss of vision, often leading to complete blindness. PRA is a subtle disease: most owners do not even know that their dog has gone blind--you may notice that your dog is reluctant to go down the stairs, or bumping into door frames or corners, or taking a very long time to fetch a ball or toy. A peek at your dog’s eyes in bright light may also reveal a sluggish pupillary constriction, because the retina is no longer telling your pupils that it is letting in too much light; however, definitive diagnosis of PRA requires a trip to the vet. Because of the slow progression of PRA, most dogs adapt very well to their condition. Over time, affected dogs can develop cataracts, thought to be due to buildup of reactive oxygen species and other toxic metabolites released from the degenerating retinal cells. This can lead to other complications and requires close monitoring in consultation with your vet.
Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM)
This muscle disorder is characterized by exercise intolerance, weight loss, and muscle wasting. While abnormal tendon reflexes can be observed as early as 1 month, the symptoms of exercise intolerance and weight loss can be observed by 2 to 4 months of age. Unfortunately, this can progress to muscle weakness, wasting, and loss of muscle control leading to difficulty walking, eating and even breathing. CNM stems from a mutation in the PTPLA gene which codes for an enzyme important for a number of cellular processes. Loss of PTPLA function is thought to cause muscle fiber damage and death, leading to replacement of the muscle mass with scar tissue. There is no treatment for CNM, and most owners opt for euthanasia due to poor quality of life.
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)
First characterized in field-trial lines of Labrador Retriever dogs, this muscle disorder can cause episodes of muscle weakness and sometimes collapse; after recovering, most dogs are perfectly normal and eager to get back to work. While most dogs appear dazed or confused after an episode, most return to normal quickly. Dogs are otherwise normal and healthy, though some severely affected dogs have died during an episode. The factors determining the severity of an episode on a given day or in a given dog is unknown. EIC has been linked to a mutation in the DNM1 gene, which codes for the protein dynamin. In the neuron, dynamin trucks neurotransmitter-filled vesicles from the cell body, where they are generated, to the dendrites. It is hypothesized in dogs affected with EIC, the mutation in DNM1 disrupts efficient neurotransmitter release, leading to a cessation in signalling and EIC.
Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNPK)
This condition causes the skin of the nose to be overly thick and shingle-like, which can be uncomfortable for your dog. HNPK isn't usually as upsetting to the dog as it is to the owner, but can be quite painful if the thickened flakes of skin are abruptly removed--so no picking. However, it can can be managed with softening soaks and gentle exfoliation.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
A disease of mature dogs, this is a progressive degenerative disorder of the spinal cord that can cause muscle wasting and gait abnormalities. Affected dogs do not usually show signs until they are at least 8 years old, where the first signs of neural degeneration appear in the nerves that innervate the hind limbs. You may notice your dog scuffing the tops of his or her hind paws, or walking with a hesitant, exaggerated gait. In advanced cases, lower motor neurons are also affected leading to weakness or near-paralysis of all four legs and widespread muscle wasting. Given the advanced age at the time of onset, the treatment for DM is aimed towards making your dog comfortable in his or her old age and includes lifestyle changes and physical therapy. SOD1 codes superoxide dismutase, an enzyme important in neutralizing free radicals and reactive oxygen species, both of which are produced as a byproduct of cell metabolism. If not neutralized, these are injurious to the cell and will cause premature cell death. The first system to show effects of this is the nervous system given the highly specialized and delicate nature of these cells. Please note that these mutations are reported to have incomplete penetrance: that is, while a dog with two copies of this mutation has a much greater chance of developing DM than a dog with one copy of the mutation, or none at all, other genetic and environmental factors will also contribute to whether your dog develops DM.
