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...
What is Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)? A disease of mature dogs, Degenerative Myelopathy(DM) is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the spinal cord that causes muscle wasting and gait abnormalities. Affected dogs do not usually show signs until they are at least 8 years old when the nerves that supply the hind limbs begin degenerating. At first,...
The Labrador Retriever is a large, double-coated breed with a weather-resistant coat that comes in three colors — black, yellow, and chocolate, according to the AKC breed standard. From English fishing and hunting stock, this active, hearty breed was developed in Canada. Easily trained and a great swimmer, this breed excels in a variety of...
Knowing how to recognize common signs of mast cell tumors in dogs can help you catch them early. At Embark, we’re committed to improving the life and longevity of all dogs by providing our customers with information about their dogs’ health. With that goal in mind, we now offer a genetic risk estimate that indicates...
Congenital deafness is an inherited form of hearing loss in dogs. There are many types of congenital deafness in dogs, affecting at least 100 different breeds. One such form of hearing loss is early-onset adult deafness (EOAD) in Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs. (In fact, Embark scientists discovered this variant, in partnership with the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club...
There are many causes of vision loss in dogs. As dogs get older, it’s natural for their eyesight to be less sharp than it used to be. Senior dogs are at increased risk of vision loss from various age-related conditions, including macular degeneration, iris atrophy, and geriatric cataracts. The good news is that dogs generally...
By knowing your dog’s genetic risk for MDR1 drug sensitivity, you and your veterinarian can take steps to make sure that your dog doesn’t have a bad reaction to certain drugs. What is MDR1? Multidrug Resistance 1 (MDR1) is caused by a genetic variant in the ABCB1 gene. Dogs who have this genetic variant are...
Genetics is part of the puzzle when it comes to canine health testing prior to breeding. An eye screening exam is one of the most common physical (phenotype) health tests for dogs. Responsible breeders aiming to produce healthy puppies will conduct annual eye testing on both parents prior to breeding. Testing both parents is a...
Fanny (@fannyasfresh) is a Bernese Mountain Dog who tells a unique story about vitiligo in dogs. Fanny might have a rare condition called vitiligo. Her owner shared on Instagram that Fanny’s black fur started changing color when she was 3 or 4 years old. The color change started on her head, gradually at first, and...
Dogs make wonderful companions, but they can cause allergic reactions in some pet parents. Being allergic to a pet can lead to symptoms that range from mild to severe or life-threatening. It can also make bonding difficult. While some people take allergy medications to reduce their dog allergy symptoms, others don’t find relief and must...
Does your dog have serious dandruff, excessive scaling, or cracked skin? It may be due to a skin disorder called canine ichthyosis. While ichthyosis in dogs may be cosmetically unappealing, it may also cause considerable discomfort and lead to other systemic concerns. There is considerable ongoing research into skin disorders with both known and unknown...
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,...
In the Westminster Best of Breed Minute series sponsored by Embark, Gail Miller Bisher tells us what judges are looking for when examining the Australian Shepherd. Learn about the Australian Shepherd Since 1994 the Australian Shepherd has been a popular breed at Westminster. Join The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and Embark to learn something...
Every Embark test screens ALT activity (via a GPT genetic variant)– one of several values your veterinarian measures on routine blood work to gauge your dog’s liver health. To best leverage your dog’s GPT result in his or her health care, it’s important to understand how your vet can use this clinical tool to establish a baseline...
Did you know that most of the dogs in the world are not descended from modern breeds? There are about a billion dogs in the world, but only a fraction of them are purebred or mixed-breed pets. The majority of dogs in the world are a unique kind of dog, called village dogs. Here, with...
Common genetic diseases can affect all dogs, while specific genetic conditions can only be found in certain breeds. Our guide to dog breeds can inform owners about which DNA tests Embark tests for that are important based on breed.
Learn more with our resources that explain the symptoms and signs, and how DNA testing can confirm or rule out if your dog is at risk for genetic diseases. Some of the most common genetic conditions include Canine Ichthyosis, PRA, IVDD, and DM.
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