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Dog Genetic Health

Featured

Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Dogs Explained

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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...

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labrador retriever
German Shepherd Dog
Featured

Is Your Dog at Risk for DM? What the Latest Genetic Research Can Tell You

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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,...

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Labrador Retriever genetic health testing
Featured

Genetic Health Testing for Labrador Retrievers

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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...

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All Dog Genetic Health articles

A Rhodesian Ridgeback dog sits on the grass.
Health Conditions

Preparing Your Dog for Hearing Loss

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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...

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A person places their hand on top of their dog's head.
Health Conditions

Preparing Your Dog for Vision Loss

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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...

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A woman holds her dog on her lap while speaking with a male veterinarian wearing blue scrubs about her dog's MDR1 drug sensitivity.
Health Conditions

How to Talk to Your Veterinarian About Your Dog’s MDR1 Result

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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...

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Eye screenings
Health Conditions

Canine Eye Screenings Explained

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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...

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Health Conditions

Fanny’s Unique Story About Vitiligo in Dogs

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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...

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five barbet puppies
Dog Breeds

All About Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

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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...

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White dog with canine ichthyosis
Health Conditions

Canine Ichthyosis: What Can Genetic Testing Tell Us?

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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...

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Coagulopathies: Why DNA test your dog
Health Conditions

Coagulopathies: Why DNA test your dog

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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,...

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australian shepherd
Dog Breeds

Best of Breed Minute: Australian Shepherd

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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...

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Your Dog has a High Chance of Low ALT. Should You Worry?
Health Conditions

Your Dog Has a High Chance of Low ALT. Should You Worry?

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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...

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embark village dogs
Dog Breeds

It Takes a Village Dog

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What are village dogs, and how do they relate to today’s modern breeds? Did you know that not all dogs have ancestry from breeds? There are dogs all over the world, but not all of them have ancestry from purebreds. In fact, about 1% of Embark-tested dogs come from populations of free-ranging, free-breeding dogs called...

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low-rider dog, CCDY
Health Conditions

Genetic Testing for Type I IVDD in Dogs

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Genetic health screening with Embark includes testing for the variant associated with Type I Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), often referred to as a slipped or herniated disc. Type I IVDD is most common in “long and low” breeds like Dachshunds, Corgis, and Basset Hounds. However, many dogs of all shapes and sizes can be at...

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Dog Genetic Health

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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