Best Online DNA Kit. Ideas?

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I did the blood test on Cookie and felt it was very accurate. My vet said that it is more accurate than the swab (saliva) test. I have seen the results of those tests and none of them seemed to be even close.
My Cookie was found to be yorkie/border terrier and she definitely seems to be just that! She looks yorkie, but has thick wiry hair and has a very strong terrier personality.

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The blood test is more accurate because the blood provides a larger quantity of DNA, and it is less likely to be contaminated by other sources than a cheek swab. The only problem with the blood test is that it is more expensive, and it has to be done by a vet. If the OP just wants a quick test for fun, then the swab should work just fine. When I did Bella's test, I suited up like someone from CSI Miami with lab coat and nylon gloves, and poor Bella didn't have anything to eat for 12 hours previously, LOL! I was bound and determined to get the largest and purest DNA sample that I could with the cheek swab. The results were impeccable, like uncorking a bottle of fine wine .

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by pstinard

The blood test is more accurate because the blood provides a larger quantity of DNA, and it is less likely to be contaminated by other sources than a cheek swab. The only problem with the blood test is that it is more expensive, and it has to be done by a vet. If the OP just wants a quick test for fun, then the swab should work just fine. When I did Bella's test, I suited up like someone from CSI Miami with lab coat and nylon gloves, and poor Bella didn't have anything to eat for 12 hours previously, LOL! I was bound and determined to get the largest and purest DNA sample that I could with the cheek swab. The results were impeccable, like uncorking a bottle of fine wine .

Gotcha! Thanks for the explanation! I did not find the blood test to be cost prohibitive. I did it when I was at the vet anyway, so the cost for the visit was not considered part of the DNA test in my mind. The cost for the blood test was $130. Well worth it to me because I was just so curious as to what she was mixed with. It all made sense when I got the results.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

I was told by my vet that the blood test and the saliva test have different results. Your opinion on that?

I have never seen anyone get what I considered even CLOSE results when using the swab. I have only seen a few, but pretty ridiculous results imho.

I gave my opinion on blood test vs. cheek swab before I read on and saw your next post. The blood test is the best for accuracy, but like I said, I dressed up like a CSI detective for Bella's swab test . I also sent in cheek swabs (taken like a CSI detective ) to a research lab to have Bella's DNA sequenced to see if they could identify the gene from Yorkies responsible for the progressive greying of coat color. Need to follow up on that--thanks for reminding me!

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by pstinard

I gave my opinion on blood test vs. cheek swab before I read on and saw your next post. The blood test is the best for accuracy, but like I said, I dressed up like a CSI detective for Bella's swab test . I also sent in cheek swabs (taken like a CSI detective ) to a research lab to have Bella's DNA sequenced to see if they could identify the gene from Yorkies responsible for the progressive greying of coat color. Need to follow up on that--thanks for reminding me!

Yes, but most people won't do that. Then, many are disappointed with the results. I have seen some mighty wacky results from that swab test.

I always encourage people to spend the few extra dollars for the blood test. If they do the test, I don't believe they are doing it for fun...I think they really want to know. Why spend $75 for fun? To me it makes more sense to spend $60 more and get more accurate results...UNLESS they want to play CSI like you.

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Yes, but most people won't do that. Then, many are disappointed with the results. I have seen some mighty wacky results from that swab test.

I always encourage people to spend the few extra dollars for the blood test. If they do the test, I don't believe they are doing it for fun...I think they really want to know. Why spend $75 for fun? To me it makes more sense to spend $60 more and get more accurate results...UNLESS they want to play CSI like you.

Absolutely! It is so easy to contaminate those cheek swabs with your own DNA or with DNA from food items, and once the DNA is contaminated, the results can be really wacky! As I recall, Minnie, the dog with short hair that looked more like a minpin, was tested using a blood sample drawn at the vet. She came back as a purebred Yorkshire Terrier, which left even me scratching my head. To be fair, her results showed her to be about as different from a standard Yorkshire Terrier that a dog could be and still be considered a Yorkshire Terrier. She was out there on the fringe of the Yorkie group. The test can only go back three generations, so that shows some of the limitations right there, but it is still the best test out there.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by pstinard

The blood test is more accurate because the blood provides a larger quantity of DNA, and it is less likely to be contaminated by other sources than a cheek swab. The only problem with the blood test is that it is more expensive, and it has to be done by a vet. If the OP just wants a quick test for fun, then the swab should work just fine. When I did Bella's test, I suited up like someone from CSI Miami with lab coat and nylon gloves, and poor Bella didn't have anything to eat for 12 hours previously, LOL! I was bound and determined to get the largest and purest DNA sample that I could with the cheek swab. The results were impeccable, like uncorking a bottle of fine wine .

Does the blood test go back more than 3 generations, do you know?

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Does the blood test go back more than 3 generations, do you know?

I just took a look at the Wisdom Panel website, and their tests have changed since Bella was tested. The vet-administered breed test using a blood sample is now processed through Royal Canin. It is called Royal Canin Genetic Health Analysis (formerly called Wisdom Panel Professional DNA Test). Here is the website:

Discover | Genetic Health Analysis

Unfortunately, the Royal Canin website is not as user friendly as the Wisdom Panel website, but I watched the Royal Canin video at this link:

ROYAL CANIN® Genetic Health Analysis? - YouTube

It looks like the blood test still goes back only three generations and provides the same kind of report, but it also includes some genetic testing for heritable disease markers and adds 50 more breeds to the analysis.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by pstinard

I just took a look at the Wisdom Panel website, and their tests have changed since Bella was tested. The vet-administered breed test using a blood sample is now processed through Royal Canin. It is called Royal Canin Genetic Health Analysis (formerly called Wisdom Panel Professional DNA Test). Here is the website:

Discover | Genetic Health Analysis

Unfortunately, the Royal Canin website is not as user friendly as the Wisdom Panel website, but I watched the Royal Canin video at this link:

ROYAL CANIN® Genetic Health Analysis? - YouTube

It looks like the blood test still goes back only three generations and provides the same kind of report, but it also includes some genetic testing for heritable disease markers and adds 50 more breeds to the analysis.

Includes some genetic testing for heritable disease markers. I'm going to look and see if MVD/PVH is one of those tests. Thanks!!!

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Includes some genetic testing for heritable disease markers. I'm going to look and see if MVD/PVH is one of those tests. Thanks!!!

I'm trying to find that information too! So far, I can only find this vague comment:

"Screen your dog for genetic mutations that can predict specific health conditions. We currently test for 13 different mutations, with more added regularly."

I bet that more information is available to veterinarians, so if you can't find the information in the links I gave, call your vet and ask them. Then let us know what you find out!

[yorkietalkjilly]

Well, those websites aren't that informative about the inherited diseases they are able to locate in any give DNA test. Still, it's something to consider. I imagine anyone really interested could email them for further details of what they can potentially spot in say a Yorkshire Terrier in the way of hereditary medical conditions. I forgot whether you posted it or not, but did your Bella's test include any information on her tendency to develop LP or anything like that?

BTW, I hope Bella is doing well after her surgery and have meant to visit your thread to ask how her weight-bearing and stiffness in the joint are going?

[pstinard]

Okay, Wisdom Panel has a THIRD test for breeders called Optimal Selection. Besides creating a database for your dog that will help you find the best matches in your breeding stock, it also checks for genetic diseases. Here is the link to the genetic diseases (and other traits) included in the test:

Disease and Trait Chromosome Chart - Disease and Trait Chromosome Chart | Wisdom Panel

Here is the link to general information about the Optimal Selection test:

Optimal Selection | Wisdom Panel

The test is a blood test, and it only costs $95 per dog, but its purposes are different from breed analysis.

Here is an article about this test:

http://www.wisdompanel.com/assets/1/..._chronicle.pdf

[pstinard]

Originally Posted by yorkietalkjilly

Well, those websites aren't that informative about the inherited diseases they are able to locate in any give DNA test. Still, it's something to consider. I imagine anyone really interested could email them for further details of what they can potentially spot in say a Yorkshire Terrier in the way of hereditary medical conditions. I forgot whether you posted it or not, but did your Bella's test include any information on her tendency to develop LP or anything like that?

BTW, I hope Bella is doing well after her surgery and have meant to visit your thread to ask how her weight-bearing and stiffness in the joint are going?

I just posted a list of the diseases tested . No, Bella's test was the simple Wisdom Panel 2.0 test, and was just a breed analysis. Bella continues to improve, and the leg muscle in her operated leg is noticeably larger since I've been taking her on outdoor walks. She still treads more lightly on her operated leg, but she is much, much better, keeping her operated leg down for longer periods of time, and I'm beginning to believe that she will make a full recovery! Thanks for asking!

[pstinard]

Sorry, I can't go back and edit my post--the time limit has expired. Optimal Selection does NOT check for genetic diseases. It is purely for checking optimal matings for different breeding pairs in its database. Sorry about that!!!! The link to the diseases on different chromosomes was purely for information purposes, as far as I can tell . The Royal Canin test DOES purport to test for 13 diseases, with more added over time, but you will have to check with your vet for the latest information on that.

[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.

[yorkietalkjilly]

Originally Posted by pstinard

Sorry, I can't go back and edit my post--the time limit has expired. Optimal Selection does NOT check for genetic diseases. It is purely for checking optimal matings for different breeding pairs in its database. Sorry about that!!!! The link to the diseases on different chromosomes was purely for information purposes, as far as I can tell . The Royal Canin test DOES purport to test for 13 diseases, with more added over time, but you will have to check with your vet for the latest information on that.

Okay, got it. GTK.