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Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly  Thanks for all of this. Not that much right now for Yorkshire Terriers but what they can find in the broader sense - if indeed they really can do this - is a good start, to my thinking. Incredible what may be down the road for us with these tests, isn't it?
On the other hand, I, like a lot of us, tend to question a lot of things I'm clueless about. I wonder if we can trust their findings of these breed hereditary conditions? Or where can we go check on their credentials on this aspect of the testing? Does anyone of repute double-check their science or test findings or is it rather buyer beware? And how do we know if their lab has contamination standards that prevent the tests from being adversely affected so as to avoid giving false or incorrect information? One hears so much about human DNA being cross-contaminated and improper handling/storage along the chain of evidence and/or laboratory standards for handling/storage and running the tests adversely affecting criminal or other legal cases on human DNA, improper assessment, etc., it gives one pause when dealing with any online or mail-in lab that performs canine DNA tests. I'm such a dummy at this and sorry for asking and you, pstinard, certainly don't need to answer as it's not your burden, I'm just interested and wondering out loud how we know any lab like this can do what they say they can in return for our hard-earned money. |
When I was checking out testing for Bella, I did a lot of searching for this kind of information. The genetic testing done by Mars, Inc. was developed in-house, and is proprietary information, although in order to produce a marketable product, they have to produce results that are useful to veterinarians. After I'm finished with this post, I'll check the research literature again to see if Mars testing has been independently checked for accuracy. I do know that Mars labs are federally inspected, and that they maintain high standards. But then again, the federal government's inspection programs are tightly strapped for money, so it's hard to say how good a job federal inspectors can do.
Now for some good news
. I just got off the phone with the folks at Wisdom Panel, and they pointed me to the following link for up to date information on genetic diseases that can currently be tested for:
Information on Diseases & Conditions | Genetic Health Analysis
Note the following disclaimer:
"ROYAL CANIN® Genetic Health Analysis™ does not screen for any diseases or conditions. Our improved dog DNA test has the added capability of serving as a warning flag, allowing us to inform veterinarians through our report about potential health conditions that may exist in dogs with certain predisposed breeds in their background. It is then up to the veterinarian to confirm the existence of a condition through the appropriate canine diagnostic laboratories."
That means that the Royal Canin test does not actually test for genetic diseases, but the link I gave does give a list of diseases for which your vet can have DNA samples sent out for testing, and it gives a link to the labs that do testing for those particular diseases. This is a fantastic resource because it has all of the information about genetic diseases in one place, including references and links to other testing facilities.