DNA Health Screening
What is DNA Health Screening?
DNA health screening, also known as genetic testing or DNA testing, is essential for several reasons in both human and animal populations. When it comes to dogs, it plays a critical role in assessing the genetic health and hereditary conditions of individual dogs and breeding populations. Here's why DNA health screening is important:
1. Identifying Hereditary Conditions: DNA health screening allows for the identification of specific genetic mutations associated with hereditary diseases or conditions. This helps breeders and owners determine if a dog is a carrier or affected by a particular condition.
2. Informed Breeding Decisions: For dog breeders, DNA health screening provides valuable information for making informed breeding decisions. It removes the risk of passing on genetic diseases to offspring by selecting breeding pairs with compatible genetics and lower risk profiles.
3. Promoting Healthy Breeding Programs: DNA screening is a critical tool for ethical and responsible breeding practices. It helps breeders work towards healthier breeding lines and reducing the incidence of hereditary conditions within specific breeds.
4. Ensuring Puppy Health: Puppy buyers benefit from DNA health screening because it provides assurance that the breeder is taking steps to produce healthier litters. It helps prospective owners make informed decisions and select puppies with lower genetic risk.
5. Improving Breed Health: Over time, widespread DNA health screening can lead to the overall improvement of breed health by reducing the prevalence of hereditary diseases. This contributes to the well-being of the breed and ensures a healthier future for the animals.
6. Ethical and Responsible Breeding: DNA health screening is a key component of ethical and responsible breeding practices. It demonstrates a commitment to the health and welfare of the animals and the integrity of the breeding program.
7. Education and Awareness: DNA health screening raises awareness about hereditary conditions within specific breeds and fosters education about genetic health. It encourages discussions about the importance of genetics in dog breeding.
In summary, DNA health screening is a vital tool in the effort to improve the health and well-being of dogs. It provides valuable information for breeders, puppy buyers, and veterinarians, leading to more informed decisions, healthier breeding programs, and reduced risks of hereditary diseases in canine populations.
What do I Need to Look out for?
DNA testing will tell you that the puppy you are purchasing comes from both 100% purebred Golden Retriever parents. Health Screens often screen for over 200 different types of genetic diseases and traits. You need to be wary of any result that does not represent ‘clear’ so you can ensure either 1) it is only the one parent who has carrier status (two carrier should not be bred from or 2) neither parent is positive or affected by any diseases that will be passed to their offspring. Golden Retrievers are more prone to the following:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A group of genetic eye disorders that can lead to blindness.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): A neurological disease that affects mobility.
Muscular Dystrophy (MD): A genetic disorder affecting muscle function.
Ichthyosis: A skin condition causing dry, flaky skin.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI): A condition that affects bone strength.
How Does Genetic Inheritability Work?
The likelihood of genetic inheritance can be categorized into three main scenarios: carrier, positive (affected), and negative (unaffected).
Carrier (Heterozygous): Inheritance likelihood for carriers depends on the specific trait or condition. Carriers possess one normal allele (gene variant) and one mutant allele. The likelihood of passing on the trait or condition to offspring depends on the type of inheritance (e.g., recessive or dominant) and the genetic makeup of the other parent. Carriers can pass on the trait or condition to their offspring if the other parent also contributes a mutant allele.
Positive (Affected): In the case of positive or affected individuals, the likelihood of passing on the trait or condition to offspring is high. These individuals have two copies of the mutant allele. Offspring inherit one mutant allele from the affected parent, guaranteeing that they will also carry the trait or condition.
Negative (Unaffected): Negative or unaffected individuals do not carry the mutant allele for the specific trait or condition. Therefore, the likelihood of passing on the trait or condition to offspring is extremely low. Offspring will only inherit the trait or condition if both parents are carriers or affected by the condition.
Knowing whether a dog is a carrier, positive (affected), or negative (unaffected) is crucial for predicting the likelihood of genetic inheritance. This information helps assess the risk of passing on specific traits or conditions to the next generation, taking into account the principles of genetics and the type of inheritance involved. Please see the table below which helps show the likelihood the offspring’s genotype with different combinations of two parents.
