Name: Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
SKU: 29006
Availability: InStock

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

From $49.00

DM is a degenerative disease of the spinal cord characterized by muscle weakness in the hind limbs. This disease can eventually lead to paraplegia.

Our DM DNA test, which uses the SOD1-A marker, is available for all dog breeds.

Please note: We do not test for the SOD1-B marker found in Bernese Mountain Dogs. It’s been known for several years that the Bernese have this additional marker/risk factor that is generally restricted to the breed. This is not to say that this marker is the sole cause of DM in that breed or that the SOD1-A mutation is irrelevant as a risk factor in the breed.

Your Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) DNA-test kit includes:

Sterile DNA-collection swabs
Complete instructions

Test options include:

Shipped to me (US only): We will mail you a full kit that includes instructions and sample collection materials.
DIY Kit: We will email you collection instructions. You will collect the sample using your own supplies and mail the sample back to our lab.

Description

Understanding Results

There are 3 possible genotypes reported for Degenerative Myelopathy (DM):

CLEAR: those having 2 copies of the normal allele and appear to be normal
CARRIER: those having 1 copy of the normal allele and 1 copy of the mutation but appear to be normal
AFFECTED: those having 2 copies of the mutation are likely to show clinical signs

Although carriers do not show clinical signs of the disease, it is important to note that if used for breeding, carriers are likely to pass on the mutation 50% of the time. Therefore a carrier (x) carrier mating is likely to result in producing affected pups in about 25% of the offspring.