As explained in the DM test announcement and the "Using the DNA test" sections of this website, we have recently discovered a mutation that can greatly increase a dog’s risk of developing degenerative myelopathy. We have found that dogs with 2 copies of the mutation (testing “affected”) are AT RISK for developing DM although many dogs that test “affected” remain free from symptoms. On the other hand, dogs that test “carrier” (one mutant copy and one normal copy) or “clear” (two normal copies) are highly unlikely to develop DM.

We are trying to determine if there are genetic or environmental factors that explain why some dogs that test “affected” develop symptoms while others are spared. If genetic or environmental modifiers do exist, we want to identify them. We are also trying to develop therapies that will slow or halt the progression of symptoms once they start. We expect this ongoing research will yield benefits not only for dogs at risk of developing DM and their owners, but also for people at risk of developing the human equivalent of DM. The entire research team would like to thank all who have participated in the research so far, and encourage participation from owners and breeders and their veterinarians to assist the ongoing research.

One target of ongoing research is determining why some at risk dogs develop symptoms and others do not. Researchers at the Broad Institute are searching for possible modifier genes that may influence onset of symptoms. For this work, we need information and samples from additional dogs. We are offering a free DNA test for dogs that fit our research criteria.

DOGS ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE DNA TEST:

Dogs must meet one of the following criteria to be eligible for a free DNA test:

1) Any dog (any breed) with a presumptive diagnosis of DM made by your veterinarian or a veterinary neurologist. To locate a neurologist use the "Find a Specialist" link on the ACVIM website - www.ACVIM.org

2) Any dog, healthy or not, that is 10 years of age or older from the breeds listed below ONLY:

• Boxer
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• French Bulldog
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Rhodesian Ridgeback

Samples for free testing must be sent as blood samples to provide the quality and quantity of DNA needed for the additional research. Please click here to download the instructions and form for sending these samples.

Dogs that do not qualify for the free DNA test may be tested using the screening test offered by OFA - click here for a link to the online store at OFA where you can order the test.

TISSUE SAMPLES ALSO NEEDED!

We also are continuing to study the pathology of this disease. To do this, we are examining tissues from the nervous system of dogs with DM symptoms, as well as older dogs that do not show any symptoms of DM. When it comes time to have your dog humanely euthanized we would be very grateful for your assistance in obtaining an autopsy. We have a protocol that will assist with collection of tissues from specific areas of the nervous system - click here for this protocol.

 

BREEDS AT RISK for Degenerative Myelopathy

As part of this research, we have been surveying many breeds for the presence of the newly discovered mutation. As of May 19, 2009 we have found the mutation present in over 75 breeds as well as mixed breed dogs. Some of these breeds have been previously reported with individuals diagnosed with DM and others have not. We are VERY interested in blood samples and spinal cord samples from presumptively diagnosed dogs of ANY BREED, so that we can confirm the presence of the disease using all useful diagnostic methods.

Although any dog can be tested for DM, it is possible that the genetic background that predominates in some breeds prevents the development of symptoms even in dogs testing as affected. We are reluctant to recommend testing for members of breeds where we have not yet proven susceptibility to DM through microscopic examination of spinal cords from deceased dogs that exhibited symptoms of the disease. At this time we have the required evidence that there is an association between DM symptoms and the mutation in the following breeds;

• Bernese Mountain Dog
• Boxer
• Cardigan Welsh Corgi
• Chesapeake Bay Retriever
• German Shepherd Dog
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Pembroke Welsh Corgi
• Rhodesian Ridgeback
• Standard Poodle

We do want additional samples from these breeds for ongoing research, as stated above.

Many other breeds have been reported with DM symptoms. We will add breeds to the above list of confirmed breeds as we are able to confirm susceptibility by DNA testing and microscopic examination of spinal cords.