GenSol Diagnostics

Canine Genetic Testing

Blog

Canine Multifocal Retinopathy Lapponian Herders (CMR3)

· ·

GenSol Diagnostics is now offering Canine Multifocal Retinopathy testing specifically for Lapponian Herder Dogs.

The canine multifocal retinopathy mutation causes raised lesions to form on the retina which alters the appearance of the eye but usually does not affect sight. The lesions may disappear, or may result in minor retinal folding. Symptoms of the mutation usually appear when a puppy is only a few months old, and generally do not worsen over time. The genetic test for CMR is valuable for identifying the cause of a retinal deformation. Given the exact genetic diagnosis, the owner can be reassured that there probably will be little or no vision loss due to this condition. While the CMR1, CMR2 and CMR3
mutations are in the same gene, they are breed specific and testing for only one is required.

Breed Specific Canine Multifocal Retinopathy

Additional GenSol Tests for Lapponian Herder Dogs

Visit our Lapponian Herder Dog Disease page for easy access to ordering.

Other Helpful Information on Lapponian Herder Dogs

GenSol September Bulk Sale

· ·

GenSol September Bulk Sale starts September 22nd and will end on September 27th at midnight, EDT.

  • Fast, Accurate, Affordable Canine Genetic Testing
  • September 22nd – September 27th
  • 5+ Tests $25 Each ~ 1-4 Tests $30 Each!
  • No Limits, No Exclusions
  • Stock Up and SAVE!

How It Works

GenSolDx.com offers a multitude of disease, coat type and coat color genetic tests for your dog. We recommend that you look up your breed on our convenient breed search tool. Searching specifically for your breed will ensure that you are choosing the right test for your breed.

All orders placed before 3:00 pm EDT are shipped the same day. We are experiencing significant delays with the USPS delivery. We offer Priority and Priority Express shipping if you are in a rush.

Once you receive your kits, simply log in to our Customer Account Manager to register your samples. Collect your dog’s DNA with our noninvasive soft swab from the inside of your dog’s cheek. We have an easy to follow video showing you how.

Once we receive your samples in our lab, you will receive an email from our lab indicating that your samples have arrived. Results are typically available within 24-48 hours.

Your result certificate will be emailed to you upon completion, and is available on your Account Manager.

Why Choose GenSol?

  • Buy in bulk and save – as low as $25 per test during our monthly sales
  • Rapid results – 24 to 48 hours after arriving at the lab
  • Test kits never expire – stock up and save
  • Flexible – test kits can be used for any test we offer
  • Online Account Manager – share results with clients/potential puppy buyers
  • Easy access to test information available at www.gensoldx.com
  • Friendly and knowledgeable customer service via phone, email or LiveChat
  • In the U.S 844-369-3686 ~ International Calls 706-782-1327

GenSol Celebrates National Service Dog Month

September is dedicated to National Service Dog Month to help raise awareness and show appreciation for the extraordinary work service canines do every day for their handlers. It is important to honor these hard-working pups as they dedicate their lives to helping their human companions. 

According to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service canine is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. ADA allows service dogs to accompany people in public areas where dogs are typically not allowed, if the dog is under control by its owner.

Gensol September Bulk Sale

Helpful Links

Children With Special Needs and Dogs Working Together

· ·

In celebration of National Service Dog Month GenSol would like to give a shout-out to the Heeling House located in Sterling, Virginia.

At the Heeling House in northern Virginia, special-needs children are working on everything from social skills and communication to reading and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills — all with the assistance of about a dozen delightful furry friends.

The Heeling House offers programs for children from infancy through high school. It was founded by Kathy Benner, an experienced animal trainer. Her volunteers, along with their certified therapy dogs, have worked for years with children at therapeutic centers and in local schools on physical and occupational therapy.

Now, at their own facility, The Heeling House is reaching even more children in private and group Animal Assisted Interactions. Most of the younger children who attend the center are on the autism spectrum, while some of the older kids who are starting to go for a new youth group may be struggling socially or coping with depression or anxiety.

“We wanted to open the center so that we had a place where we would be able to explore all the different avenues — so that we would be able to have therapy dogs help our community,” Benner says. That includes the ability to work with students to do further research on how interacting with dogs can help kids.

Some of the dogs at Heeling House were bred for therapy work, while many others were adopted — but all of the dogs and their handlers have been certified by Pet Partners and continue to be trained to work safely with children.

A Proven Motivator

Including the dogs in the therapy and class sessions can lengthen a child’s attention span, break the ice and be a powerful motivator for them to try harder.

“They spend more ‘time on task’ — basically doing the things that the therapists are encouraging them to do and for longer periods of time when the dog is there,” Benner says. “They definitely spend more time engaging socially with each other, which is one of our big goals. The dog acts as a role model and motivation to speak to their peers.”

The dogs are trained to play cards and board games, and they can even do a little light bowling.

“It’s learning how to be patient when playing a game, waiting to take a turn, being patient if something doesn’t go exactly as they had planned, so the kids will practice being more flexible, because a lot of kids who have autism are fairly rigid in their thoughts,” Benner says.

Making Great Strides

The kids may also learn to give the dogs commands and guide them through an obstacle course.

“We see more sustained eye contact and focus from the kids, because we work on giving dogs commands,” Benner says. “Before they can give the dog the command, they have to look at the dog and the dog looks back at them. So, they practice being able to have that eye contact and address whoever they’re talking to directly” — a skill they can then use in social interactions with other people.

Children With Special Needs and Dogs Working Together
Tybee, a 3-year-old Portuguese Water Dog, can be silly and energetic or calm and docile.

 

Just having the dog in the room while the children work with their therapist can be a comfort — and getting the chance to play with the dog can be a reward for their hard work. “If the child can finish the task or do what they’ve been asked or kind of hold it together for a certain period of time, then they’re allowed to go and play with the dog afterward,” Benner says.

Donna Merkle is Heeling House’s co-founder and has been part of the animal therapy team for 10 years, working with three dogs. Her Golden Retriever, RBI, recently passed away, and she currently volunteers with Tybee, a 3-year-old Portuguese Water Dog.

“The dogs are very attuned to the clients’ needs; I have learned to sometimes just let the interactions organically happen. Those are the most rewarding times — when you can watch this puppy you trained go into a situation and know exactly what to do,” Merkle says. “Recently, Tybee went with me to tell one of our clients about the loss of our therapy dog he had been seeing for several years. Tybee walked into the room, laid down beside the boy and put his head on the child’s lap comforting him. They immediately bonded. It was beautiful.”

“Enjoy the Warmth and Love”

Christopher, a 10-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, has worked for several years with Merkle and RBI, along with his physical therapist at the Children’s Therapy Center in Springfield, Virginia.

“RBI was a great motivator in getting Christopher to do things while being relaxed more so than [Christopher] was with his physical therapist,” his mom says. “On a few occasions, he was able to stand against the wall and play fetch with RBI, sit on a bench and brush RBI, or just sit on the floor and drink water after all their hard work. There were some behavior issues that made Christopher anxious that we were able to talk through with RBI being right by Christopher’s side. Of course, all the doggy kisses helped get Christopher to laugh and enjoy the warmth and love he received from RBI.” Christopher has always had an amazing physical therapist, his mom says, but when he has a therapy dog by his side, his willingness to work increases.

At the new center, the dogs work with children on a wide variety of issues, and Merkle and Tybee have recently been helping a young girl work through her extreme fear of dogs. “She was not able to be in the same room without becoming very nervous and visibly showing signs of stress,” Merkle says. “The child and I worked on basic dog commands, building her confidence in situations with a dog. We started Tybee on the opposite side of the room, and as she saw how calm he was and that she had control of the situation, we were able to get him closer to her and build on additional commands. We then played games together like rolling a ball back and forth and Go Fish (yes, Tybee likes to play Go Fish!). As of today, the child is walking with, petting and even giving treats to Tybee!”

Merkle and Benner see amazing developments like this every day and hope to continue to see more of them as the Heeling House grows and expands its offerings, including plans to train assistance dogs for some of their clients.

“It is so rewarding to watch the look on a child’s face when they have done something for the first time because of the motivation and confidence the dog has provided,” Merkle says.

 

Source: Vetstreet Training Tips - GenSol Diagnostics Pet Health Blog - GenSol Diagnostics offers fast, accurate & affordable canine genetic testing. We encourage you to share our content.

Join GenSol Team Lincoln and Support #ShadeOutDM

· ·

GenSol Diagnostics are proud supporters of the #ShadeOutDM Foundation. We are asking all friends of GenSol to join GenSol Team Lincoln and support #ShadeOutDM during the week of October 3rd, 2022.

GenSol Team Lincoln

Employees of GenSol Diagnostics created a #ShadeOutDM Team for the “Race at your Own Pace” event in 2021. We have made this an annual event for Team Lincoln and GenSol. GenSol Team Lincoln is passionate about supporting this important mission. We hope to raise awareness of Degenerative Myelopathy and help support the fur-families affected by this disease.

This year’s event will be held the week of October 3rd, 2022. If you would like to join us in the fight against Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) please consider joining our team. You can also support our team by making a donation. Links are provided below.

You do not have to be present (in Georgia) to participate or be a member of Team Lincoln. That is what makes this event so AWESOME! You can participate in your own community during the week of October 3rd. You can walk with your dog (or dogs) or you can get more friends to join and walk together!

Take photos of your local “#ShadeOutDM Dog Walk” and we will post them on our Website and Facebook page!

The Beginning of the #ShadeOutDM Foundation

Tauni Beckman, one of the founders of #ShadeOutDM, received the news their beloved fur baby had developed Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). KC the Corgi lost coordination of her back limbs and had visited 5 different vets before receiving the proper diagnosis of DM. KC loves to wear her shades! She loves the positive reaction and attention she receives from people when they see her out in public dressed up in her wheels, going for a swim or riding in her stroller with her shades on. It was through Tauni’s research that she met other fur-families suffering from DM and realized it was time to raise awareness of this awful disease and permanently #ShadeOutDM!

#ShadeOutDM Foundation Raises Awareness of Degenerative Myelopathy

The mission of #ShadeOutDM Foundation is to help raise awareness of Degenerative Myelopathy, support funding for research and provide assistance to families who are affected by this disease. Through the support of other organizations, they hope to finally put an end to this debilitating disease.

What is Degenerative Myelopathy?

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is the canine version of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). It is a disorder of the spinal cord that typically starts showing symptoms between 8-14 years old although, some breeds may develop symptoms sooner. Progression of the disease typically starts with loss of coordination in one hind leg, buckling in the knees and trouble standing.

Over time, these symptoms can worsen and result in paralysis of both hind legs. DM is very common in 100+ breeds such as Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Boxers, German Shepherds, Pugs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Australian Shepherds and is often misdiagnosed. DM is 100% preventable by using good breeding practices. Genetic testing for DM prior to breeding is very important. Only breeding either a “DM Clear” to “DM Clear” dam and sire or breeding your quality “DM Carrier” to a “DM Clear” dog, can ensure that you do not pass the disease on to a litter.

What Can You Do?

If your dog or someone you know has a furry friend that may be experiencing symptoms of DM, GenSol Diagnostics offers a simple noninvasive cheek swab test that can determine if your dog is at risk. We recommend this simple, affordable cheek swab test prior to spending thousands of dollars on other more invasive procedures that may result in a misdiagnosis. If you have a pet that has tested at risk for DM, #ShadeOutDM also offers a Member Support Group on Facebook.

Join GenSol Team Lincoln or Make a Donation

Additional Information on Degenerative Myelopathy and Available Support Systems

GenSol Celebrates National Service Dog Month

· ·

September is dedicated to National Service Dog Month to help raise awareness and show appreciation for the extraordinary work service canines do every day for their handlers. It is important to honor these hard-working pups as they dedicate their lives to helping their human companions. 

According to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service canine is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. ADA allows service dogs to accompany people in public areas where dogs are typically not allowed, if the dog is under control by its owner.

The idea of National Service Dog Month was thought up by actor and animal advocate Dick Van Patten, who was in amazement by the exceptional help service dogs had given to their handlers with certain ailments and disabilities. To further the cause, he launched a fundraising initiative to benefit these dedicated canines who worked hard every day in service dog training schools. He eventually became an honorary board member of the Guide Dogs of the Desert. In 2008, Dick’s devotion to canine services led to fundraising efforts during National Service Dog Month across the U.S.

Service Canines Help an Array of People Suffering from Disabilities

While most have heard of seeing eye dogs or guide dogs, there are many other types of service dogs that are available to assist people with different disabilities. Service dogs have hundreds of hours of specialized training on specific, skilled tasks. They can be trained a number of skills, for example, to retrieve objects, assist with balance, give seizure or diabetic alerts, assist people suffering from psychiatric disabilities and autism. Service dogs are also available to serve our nation’s war veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). They can provide companionship and confidence to their owners while keeping them safe and protected allowing them to live fuller lives.

Service dogs are also found working in schools, nursing facilities, courthouses, physical therapy practices, hospitals, and many other settings.

Things to Consider When You Find Yourself Around a Service Dog

Always Be Sure to Approach the Handler, Not the Dog

Depending on the disability of the handler, the handler’s life could depend on the dog staying focused on their job. It is important to give the dog plenty of space.

Never Touch a Service Dog Without Asking Permission First

Just like all dogs, service dogs love to be petted too. However, distracting the service dog may prevent them from caring for their handler properly. While it may not look like it, the dog may be in the middle of assisting their owner and you wouldn’t want to interrupt that.

If you have small children who don’t know any better, be sure that they don’t get to close either.

Keep Your Dog Away from Service Dogs

Service dogs are always on the job and should not be distracted by other dogs. If you want your pet to approach them, check with the owner first.

If you see a service dog coming towards you and your dog, try to avoid the dog. By crossing the road or keeping your dog on a short leash, you lessen the chance of distraction.

Never Offer Food to a Service Dog

Not only is this a distraction but many service dogs are on a strict diet and feeding schedule. Some may even have allergies. If a service dog becomes sick from irregular food or feeding, then they cannot perform their job properly.

An Unattended Service Dog is a Sign Its Owner Needs Help

This is one of the most important rules to remember about service dogs. It is very unusual to see a service dog alone without its owner. If a service dog does approach you without their handler, nudges you or barks at you, it’s a clue that the dog is seeking help.

If this happens, follow the dog and it should lead you to its owner. Identify the situation and if necessary, call 911 immediately.

GenSol Recognizes Service Dog Providers

Canine Companions, Paws for People, Canine Assistants, and K9’s for Warriors are just a few reputable service dog providers. We at GenSol proudly recognize these providers as service dogs have become a major advantage for someone suffering from disabilities.

Whether it be a service dog or therapy dog, these pups spend countless hours of training and end up being their handler’s life support. They have rightfully earned the month of September to celebrate them!

There many different service dog provider companies out there. It is important to do thorough research before deciding which company may best fit your needs for a service dog.

You can visit the resource links provided below for more information on service dog providers.

Shipping Delays within the USPS

· ·

Since the Arrival of COVID-19 in the United States, we have seen a steady increase in the delivery times of the USPS shipping of our orders and return samples. Over the past several weeks, this delay has spread to Priority mail as well as First Class.

GenSol Diagnostics is located in Georgia. All mail must pass through the Atlanta Distribution Centers in order to travel North to our facility. We have seen significant delays in Atlanta with some packages bouncing from one distribution center to the next for up to five days, before ever leaving Atlanta.

We have made this announcement several times on our Facebook page and in our monthly Newsletter in an attempt to keep our customers updated about the current shipping situation.

Please know that while our Customer Service is here to assist you in any way possible, we have no control over late or lost packages. Once your package leaves GenSol into the hands of the USPS, we no longer have control of your delivery. We can assist you in tracking your package through the same tracking link we send you in an email when your order is processed, and we can replace your order if the delivery time has expired or the tracking is no longer being updated. However, we want you to know that 98% of our orders are getting delivered. Which is why we are asking you to be patient. Yes, shipping will most likely be delayed but only in a few rare situations, are they lost forever.

Here are our shipping options on our website. The estimated delivery times are PRE-COVID19. Typically we are seeing up to 14 additional business days for delivery with First Class and Priority mail. If you choose Priority Mail, please know that the 3-5 day delivery time is NOT GUARANTEED. Priority mail does include insurance for the package contents if the package is lost, however, the cost for Priority shipping is not refundable by the USPS when they exceed the estimated delivery time.

PLEASE EXPECT ADDITIONAL DELAYS FROM TIMES POSTED HERE:

DOMESTIC:

  • First Class Mail (4-14 Business Days Each Way)                   $  7.00
  • Priority Mail (3-5 Business Days Each Way)                          $ 16.00 
  • Express Mail (1-2 Business Days Each Way)                          $ 53.00
  • ** All orders within the United States include a pre-paid return shipping label

INTERNATIONAL:

  • Int’l First Class Mail (Up To 31 Business Days One Way)  $ 14.00
  • Int’l Priority Mail (Up to 14 Business Days One Way)         $ 40.00
  • Int’l Express Mail (Up To 5 Business Days One Way)          $ 67.00
  • **International orders do not include a return mailing label

Everyone at GenSol wants your experience with our company to be a pleasant one. We truly appreciate our customers who are dedicated to producing healthy canines through quality breeding and genetic testing as well as the companion owners who simply want peace of mind regarding their pet’s health. What we would like to ask in return, when contacting our dedicated customer service staff, is that you use common courtesy and understanding that these are challenging times for all of us, and we will weather this storm together as long as it takes.

Contact us: Email: [email protected] By Phone Within the US: 844-369-3686 By Phone Outside the US: 706-782-1327

GENSOL DIAGNOSTICS, LLC © 2022 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.