Dog Degenerative Myelopathy Test
Some of the earliest symptoms of degenerative myelopathy among dogs include walking on knuckles, loss of balance and coordination, and difficulty getting up from lying down. Could your dog have the gene responsible for degenerative myelopathy? Get an accurate diagnosis with EasyDNA’s Dog Degenerative Myelopathy Test, starting from $69.
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Results in 7-10 working days
from $69
- Test for degenerative myelopathy in your dog
- Easy-to-use kit
- Get rapid and accurate results
- Support at every step of the process
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How it Works
How it Works
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Key Features of the Dog Degenerative Myelopathy Test
Why test your dog for degenerative myelopathy?
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a serious condition that affects a dog’s spinal cord, which results in the degeneration and eventual paralysis of the animal’s hind limbs. This neurological condition is inherited and has been found out to be caused by a dog inherited two copies of the mutated gene, SOD-1. Because of the gene mutation, the cells that send and receive brain signals are affected and gradually break down.
While not every dog that inherits these mutated genes develop degenerative myelopathy, the risk of developing the condition is very high. It’s also important to know if a dog carries the gene because they are likely to pass it on to the offspring.
The symptoms of the disease progress over time. For some dogs, the symptoms manifest when they are around 8-10 years old, though some become affected by the disease earlier.
Here are the symptoms of degenerative myelopathy (DM) among dogs:
- Unsteady gait and difficulty walking
- Walking on knuckles
- Loss of balance and coordination, falling over easily
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Difficulty in getting up from a lying position
- Inability to use legs and, later, walk
The symptoms of the disease are progressive. They worsen over time, eventually leading to the dog’s paralysis.
The disease remains to be incurable and there are still no effective treatments at present. However, an early diagnosis of degenerative myelopathy will help owners and breeders of dogs create a helpful health plan complete with proper diet, training, and exercise combined with physical therapy.
To improve your dog’s quality of life, get an early and accurate diagnosis of the disease through a reliable Dog Degenerative Myelopathy Test.
What dogs are at risk for degenerative myelopathy?
For a dog to be at risk of suffering from degenerative myelopathy, it needs to have inherited two copies of the genetic mutation, SOD-1. The condition is most common among middle-aged to older dogs between 4-14 years old, although some younger dogs have been reported to suffer from the disease.
Breeds identified to be at risk of developing the disease include the following:
- German Shepherds
- Siberian Huskies
- Collies
- Golden Retrievers
- Boxers
- Miniature Poodles
- Welsh Corgis
- Pugs
Our Dog Degenerative Myelopathy DNA Test uses the SOD1-A marker and can be carried out on all dog breeds. However, Bernese Mountain Dogs possess an additional marker, SOD1-B, which we are currently not testing.
Cost of the Dog Degenerative Myelopathy test
The Dog Degenerative Myelopathy test is being offered at only $69 for a sample of one dog. There is an option to order more tests for an additional cost.
How the Dog Degenerative Myelopathy test is carried out
Some dogs carry a copy of the gene mutation responsible for degenerative myelopathy and never suffer the condition. Some dogs inherit two copies of the mutation and still live full, healthy lives. However, it is important to know for sure whether your dog carries the SOD-1 genetic mutation to know if they can potentially develop the disease and/or pass it onto their offspring.
With the EasyDNA Dog Degenerative Myelopathy Test, you can know for sure.
The process of our Dog Degenerative Myelopathy test is simple and straightforward. Upon ordering your test, we will send you a sample collection kit that allows you to collect your dog’s cheek swab samples. The kit comes with complete instructions to guide you through the process. Using our kit, there is no need to draw blood or go to the veterinarian for sample collection.
Once you are able to collect your dog’s DNA sample, put the swabs back in the collection envelope provided. Use this envelope to send the samples back to our laboratory for testing.
Your test results
After our laboratory receives your dog’s sample, you can expect to receive your test results via email in 7-10 working days from receipt of samples at the laboratory. You will receive one of three possible outcomes:
- CLEAR result: Your dog has inherited 2 good genes that are free from defects or mutations.
- CARRIER result: Your dog has inherited 1 normal copy of the gene and 1 mutated copy. This means that the animal may not develop the condition but will likely pass the gene onto its offspring.
- AT RISK result: Your dog has inherited 2 copies of the mutated gene and is highly likely to develop degenerative myelopathy during its lifetime. The animal will also pass on the mutation to its offspring.
EasyDNA uses the latest in DNA testing technology, assuring you that the results of your Degenerative Myelopathy test are highly accurate and reliable. If you need more information regarding this test, please contact our Customer Service.
Other Dog Disease Genetic Tests from EasyDNA
At EasyDNA we offer a range inherited disease screening tests such as Degenerative Myelopathy including the following:
- Dog Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1) Test
- Exercise Induced Collapse Testing (EIC)
- Hyperuricosuria DNA Test for Uric Acid
- PRCD-pra Testing
- von Willebrand Disease DNA Testing
We also offer a comprehensive genetic screening test covering 175+ diseases and traits through our DogCheck Genetic Screening Test. This is one of the most comprehensive tests on the market ideal to manage the health of your dog and for breeders.
Other Dog DNA Tests from EasyDNA
We also offer a wide range of other types of dog DNA tests looking at different personal aspects of your dog such as the Premium Dog Testing Package, an all-in-one testing package that includes our Dog Allergy Test, Dog Breed Test, and Dog Genetic Age Test.
Find out more about your dog and start your journey to a healthier pet!
Special Offers and Discounts
The price of the Dog Allergy test is $104.
A second or third Dog Allergy test for your other dog or maybe for a relative or a friend can be purchased at $94 ($10 discount). You can also benefit from a $14 discount if you decide to order a Dog Breed Test (priced at $79) with your Dog Allergy test. In addition, we are offering our clients the opportunity to purchase a premium package priced at $195 including 3 Dog tests, the Dog Genetic Age test, Breed test and Allergy test. Make use of our discounted prices to understand even better your beloved pet!
FAQs
We provide a testing kit containing the sample collection device and instructions for collecting your dog’s sample and sending it back to our laboratory. From the proteins found in the sample obtained, the test measures your dog’s sensitivities to over 120 common allergens.
Upon ordering the test, you will receive a testing kit with a sample collection device and complete sample collection instructions. Hold the swab firmly from the handle and place the swab head inside your dog’s mouth. Get the swab head as wet as possible by placing it under your dog’s tongue, the side of the mouth, and inside the cheek for 1 1/2 minutes.
A sample collection guide with pictures can be found HERE.
- Mold spores
- Dust and house dust mites
- Medications
- Insecticidal shampoo
- Rubber and plastic
This test has access to a database containing over 120 of the most common canine allergens. However, we are always working on adding more allergens to the testing database.
Click here for the most up-to-date allergen listings.
The test can determine sensitivities at any age, but these sensitivities can change as a dog ages. We recommend that your dog be at least 6 months old to identify specific allergens that may affect them for a long period of time.
Click here for the most up-to-date allergen listings.
Your dog should not eat before getting its sample collected as food can affect the test results. We recommend either taking your dog’s sample first thing in the morning or waiting for the longest possible time between meals to collect the sample.
Aside from food, there are also medications, such as antihistamines and steroids, that can affect the dog’s test results. Therefore, your dog must not be on any antihistamines, anti-itching and anti-inflammatory medication or steroid-based medications for 1-2 weeks before collecting its sample.
Click here for the most up-to-date allergen listings.
- Itchy, red, moist or scabbed skin
- Increased scratching
- Itchy, runny eyes
- Itchy ears and ear infections
- Sneezing
- Diarrhoea
- Snoring
- Constant licking
Know more about the dog allergies and symptoms HERE.
Aside from food, there are also medications, such as antihistamines and steroids, that can affect the dog’s test results. Therefore, your dog must not be on any antihistamines, anti-itching and anti-inflammatory medication or steroid-based medications for 1-2 weeks before collecting its sample.
Click here for the most up-to-date allergen listings.
Some dogs may be sensitive to chicken eggs but not chicken meat, while some dogs may be sensitive to fish meal but not a particular type of fish. This is normal. Each allergen has unique components and characteristics, and a dog’s reaction to an allergen may not necessarily equate to sensitivity to its subsets.
Yes, different dog breeds may be more susceptible to specific allergies.
The following are some breeds that are sensitive to issues with food and/or airborne allergies: Maltese terrier, Pekingese, German Shepherd, Bull Terriers, Bichon Frise, English Cocker Spaniel, Brussels Griffon, American Hairless Terrier, Bohemian Terrier, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, American Pit Bull Terrier, Wire-Haired Fox Terrier, Chinese Crested/Powderpuff, Poodle, Irish Setter, English Bulldog, Pugs.
Are you interested to find out the breeds making up your dog? Take our Dog Breed DNA Test today.
Reactions can be managed by avoiding the allergens which trigger them. For example, if your pet has a sensitivity to a particular food item then eliminating this from their diet will help eliminate the negative impact. It is also possible to manage them through the use of medication or medicated shampoos – however, many times such treatments only mask a problem without finding the root cause. Also since more than one allergen may be causing reactions in your dog this may require more than action to eliminate all discomfort and reactions. We strongly advocate involving your vet in all decisions regarding what actions to take.
The following are some breeds that are sensitive to issues with food and/or airborne allergies: Maltese terrier, Pekingese, German Shepherd, Bull Terriers, Bichon Frise, English Cocker Spaniel, Brussels Griffon, American Hairless Terrier, Bohemian Terrier, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, American Pit Bull Terrier, Wire-Haired Fox Terrier, Chinese Crested/Powderpuff, Poodle, Irish Setter, English Bulldog, Pugs.
Are you interested to find out the breeds making up your dog? Take our Dog Breed DNA Test today.
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