My dog is part this and part that
Shelters and veterinarians are frequently asked "what breeds are my dog?" and "I think my cat is part ___ do you?" We can make educated guesses, but that is usually all they are. Guesses. Now, thanks to technology, you can get a peek at your pet's pedigree. How accurate is this peek? I am not sure. Opinions vary.
DNA testing, not to be confused with pet cloning, can be done on dogs and cats, and a Google search turns up thousands of links on this topic. Now veterinarians, breeders, and pet owners can submit a sample from their pet to be analyzed. The next question is why.
Why is DNA testing something to consider for your mixed breed?
If you have a pet of unknown ancestry, this may be fun information to (finally) have. It may also be useful for disease screening and knowledge that could potentially save your pet's life, especially if s/he carries gene markers for disease or for sensitivity to certain drugs.
Some of the first questions you are asked at the doctor's office (either on the admission form or by the doctor) are about your family history - diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and so on. This is done to assess risk factors and to help the doctor be on the alert for any early signs. For many pets this is difficult, especially when rescued or adopted, with no knowledge of the parental history.
With DNA testing, you can find something out about the breeds make up your pet, and may be alerted to common diseases of that breed such as eye, heart, joint, or metabolic problems, such as diabetes. Testing for specific diseases is also available, such as Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) in cats. This technology can also be used to tell the gender of birds, which can be difficult to discern in young birds. Testing is also available for horses.
It is well known that Collies and Collie mixes are sensitive to ivermectin, loperamide (Imodium®), and other drugs, potentially causing neurologic signs and even death. DNA testing can now identify those dogs that carry the mutant gene which makes them sensitive to these drugs. This information is valuable for your veterinarian to know in times of illness or emergency. See the full list of drugs that have been documented to cause problems in sensitive dogs.
How is DNA testing performed?
There are currently two ways to collect a sample from your pet: a cheek swab and a blood sample. The cheek swap method is easy to do at home and mail in for the results. According to Animal DNA Services Veterinary Diagnostics Center, "buccal (cheek) swabs are the preferred method for collecting DNA from skin cells inside the cheek. This is true for both canines and humans alike." I spoke with the WSU laboratory, and as long as you are able to collect an adequate sample (may be difficult with some cats), the results are the same for either method of collection. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian or the laboratory of your choice prior to sending in samples for tips or preferences they may have.
For more information
Check with your veterinarian if you have questions about you pet and if DNA testing is something that would provide useful information. Here are links for more information about testing.
- Canine DNA Testing: How It Works - From a Veterinarian’s Perspective
by Dr. Ingrid Pyka for VPI - Multidrug Sensitivity Testing (dogs)
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine - Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Testing (cats)
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine - Instructions for Use of the Cheek Swab Test Kit
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine - DNA tests may yield surprise breeds in mutts
MSNBC News - Associated Press
In addition to the WSU lab listed, here are additional DNA testing labs
NOTE: I do not have personal experience with any of the labs. Use with discretion and talk to your veterinarian if you have questions.
- Animal DNA Services
Veterinary Diagnositics Center - Canine Heritage
Testing Laboratory - CatDNA.org
Testing Laboratory - Animal Health Trust
Testing Laboratory in the UK
