Lisa Peterson

Bleeding abnormalities  (coagulopathies) in dogs can occur for a variety of reasons: Infection, organ failure, toxins—or they can be caused by an inherited abnormality in the coagulation pathway. Although some breeds are known to have a higher incidence of blood disorders, coagulopathies can affect breeds of all types and sizes—from Doberman Pinschers to Shetland Sheepdogs,...

At Embark, we strive to provide the most comprehensive testing service available, continually conducting research and collaborating with leaders in the field to add new health conditions and traits tests to our Embark for Breeders suite of products. This process includes adding new probes to the research-grade microarray we use to test each dog’s DNA...

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (AKC CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundations for Animals (OFA) published the Review of the Current State of Genetic Testing – A Living Resource in 2020. It is an extremely useful guide for both novice and long-time breeders. Not only does it provide practical explanations of genetics and scientific testing methods...

A webinar presented by The Westminster Kennel Club and Embark Vet. Embark Veterinary and the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show are pleased to present an informative panel discussion featuring three experts in purebred dog breeding, showing, and canine genetics. Watch this live video event to hear practical guidance and expert perspective relevant to all dog...

Understanding genetic health risks, physical traits, and genetic coefficient of inbreeding for Pembroke Welsh Corgis Genetic health tests offered by Embark for Pembroke Welsh Corgis: Degenerative Myelopathy, DM (SOD1A) Exercise-Induced Collapse (DNM1) Progressive Retinal Atrophy, rcd3 (PDE6A) Von Willebrand Disease Type I (VWF) X-linked Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (IL2RG Variant 2) Chondrodystrophy and Intervertebral Disc Disease,...

More and more registries and breed organizations require it with your dog’s DNA results submission: Veterinary verification of identity. Of course, Embark’s DNA Test already includes multiple verification checks: We confirm that the genetic sex matches the owner-reported sex for a dog. We conduct a review of genetic breed ancestry. If needed, we even compare...

Embark’s mission is to end preventable disease in dogs. As part of this work, we are committed to providing expert guidance to breeders about genetic health conditions and how the risk of developing them can differ between variants and among breeds. One such group of conditions is progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Embark currently tests for...

Purebred dog owners often ask, why should I Embark-test a dog I’m not planning to breed? The answers may surprise you. Not only can an Embark test provide you with important genetic health information that could help prevent emergencies, manage disease, and save you money on long-term veterinary bills; but your dog could hold the...

Responsible breeders know the value of genetic COI (coefficient of inbreeding) in making breeding decisions: Not only is it correlated to overall canine health and lifespan, but it can also be extremely useful in assessing potential breeding mates for your dog. In fact, it’s one of the reasons many breeders choose Embark for their DNA...

For the fifth consecutive year, Embark Veterinary was proud to sponsor the 147th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Purina Pro Plan, as the official dog DNA test  of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This iconic event occurred on May 6, 8, and 9, 2023, at the USTA Billie Jean King National...

Genetic health testing is growing among breeders who see the benefits of informed breeding decisions and healthier litters. Here are some frequently asked questions about dog DNA tests. Q: What is genetic health screening? A: Genetic health screening can provide extremely detailed information to improve your dog’s health, optimize breeding pairs, improve litter outcomes, and...

A common and important question – why does Embark test for health conditions that are not known to impact my breed? Embark prioritizes health conditions that are known to impact your breed. We highlight these breed-relevant genetic health conditions at the top of the health summary on each dog’s results report. Embark users can also...