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Degenerative Myelopathy

Related Terms:

DM, SOD1

Type: DNA
Sample Types: Cheek brushes/swabs, Fresh EDTA blood, Other
Sample Processing
Cost: $50.00
Species and Breeds:
Canine - German Shepherd
Canine - Mastiff, English
Canine - Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

We do not provide kits. Please collect the sample following the sample collection and shipping instructions before ordering a test.

Clinical Signs:

Progressive weakness and loss of coordination in the rear limbs, leading to hind leg paresis and paralysis.

Life Expectancy:

Size dependent, median survival after diagnosis of 6 months in large breed dogs and 19 months in a smaller breed.

Inheritance Mode:

Complex, autosomal recessive with incomplete penetrance (not all dogs that are homozygous for known disease associated variants show signs of disease during their lifetimes and the involvement of additional genes is also suggested).

Pathology:

Non-inflammatory neuronal degeneration.

Mutation:

SOD1

Explanation of Results
GenoType PhenoType Interpretation

1-1 (Homozygous Normal)

Healthy (Normal, Clear)

1-1 (Homozygous Normal) dogs have two copies of a normal allele and NO COPIES of the disease variant allele that is found in dogs affected with Degenerative Myelopathy in the breed. 1-1 dogs are not expected to develop signs of Degenerative Myelopathy and none of their offspring can inherit the disease variant allele. 1 = Normal allele; 2 = Disease variant allele.

1-2 (Heterozygous)

Healthy (Carrier)

1-2 (Heterozygous/Carrier) dogs have one copy of a normal allele and ONE COPY of the disease variant allele that is found in dogs affected with Degenerative Myelopathy in the breed. 1-2 dogs are not expected to develop signs of Degenerative Myelopathy. (Although the University of Missouri has reported very rare cases of Degenerative Myelopathy in 1-2 dogs of other breeds, we are not aware that this has ever been the case in a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier). Each of the offspring of a 1-2 dog has a chance of inheriting the disease variant allele (2). Parents, offspring, breeding partners, and relatives should also be tested. 1 = Normal allele; 2 = Disease variant allele.

2-2 (Homozygous Disease Variant)

At Risk

2-2 (Homozygous Disease Variant) dogs have both (TWO) copies of the disease variant allele that is found in dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy in the breed. 2-2 dogs are at risk for developing Degenerative Myelopathy later in life. (To help breeders in breeding decisions, PennGen and the SCWTCA Health Committee are collaborating to determine what percent of 2-2 dogs go on to develop the disease.) All of the offspring of this dog will inherit a copy of the disease variant allele from this dog. Parents, offspring, breeding partners, and relatives should also be tested. 1 = Normal allele; 2 = Disease variant allele.