GenSol Diagnostics

Canine Genetic Testing

Micah Halpern

Progressive Retinal Atrophy for Lapponian Herders (PRA-LH)

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Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a category of disorders where the retinal cells in a dog’s eye degenerate and die eventually leading to complete blindness. A type of PRA specific to Lapponian Herders is due to a mutation in the IFT122 gene that leads to adult-onset eye disease. Symptoms will typically appear on average at 5 years old and is usually diagnosed anywhere from 5 to 12 years of age. Initial symptoms include vision difficulties in dim light often referred to as night blindness. As the disease progresses, the affected dog will continue to suffer loss of night vision which then progresses to visual deficits in brighter light and can eventually lead to total blindness. It is important to note that not all cases of PRA in Lapponian Herders are caused by this particular mutation.

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

MAY FLASH SALE TODAY!

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  • All Tests $25 Each! Today Only May 5th, 2022
  • 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
  • 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

Helpful Links

National Heartworm Awareness Month

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Heartworms are a serious and potentially fatal disease that mainly affects dogs, cats and ferrets. It is caused by the parasitic worm Dirofilaria immitis, which infects pets through the bite of an infected mosquito.

In dogs, once the heartworms mature, they travel to the heart, lungs and arteries, then mate and produce offspring, increasing the number of worms that the dog carries over time. These worms cause damage and scarring to these vital structures which can affect their overall health and the quality of life of the animal the longer they go untreated. If left untreated, the complications can eventually lead to heart failure, permanent lung damage and death.

BEFORE you start your pet on a heartworm preventative, your veterinarian generally will test your pet by drawing blood, to make sure your pet does not have heartworms before starting them on a preventative.

Equally important to the pre-test for heartworms is identifying the Multidrug Sensitivity gene in breeds affected by this mutation.

What is the Multi-drug Resistance Gene?

The MDR1 gene, or multi-drug resistance gene, codes for a protein that is responsible for protecting the brain by transporting potentially harmful chemicals away from the brain. In certain breeds, a mutation occurs in the MDR1 gene that causes sensitivity to Ivermectin, Loperamide, and a number of other drugs. Dogs with this mutation have a defect in the P-glycoprotein that is normally responsible for transporting certain drugs out of the brain. The defective protein inhibits the dog’s ability to remove certain drugs from the brain, leading to a buildup of these toxins. As a result of accumulation of toxins, the dog can show neurological symptoms, such as seizures, ataxia, or even death. Dogs that are homozygous for the MDR1 gene, meaning that they have two copies of the mutation, will display a sensitivity to Ivermectin, and other similar drugs. Dogs that are heterozygous, meaning they have only one copy of the mutation, can still react to these drugs at higher doses. The following is a partial list of drugs known to have a negative effect on dogs with the MDR1 mutation: Acepromzazine, Aldosterone, Amitriptyline, Antiemetics, Apomorphine, Buprenorphine, Butorphanol, Chinidin, Cimeditine, Cortisol, Cysolporin A, Dexamethasone, Digoxin, Diltiazem, Domperidone, Doxorubicin, Doxycycline, Ebastine, Erythromycin, Estradiol, Etoposide, Fentanyl, Fexofenadine, Grepafloxacin, Hydrocortisone, Ivermectin, Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Loperamide, Losartan, Methylprednisolone, Metoclopramide, Metronidazole, Milbemycin, Mitoxantrone, Morhpine, Moxidectin, Ondansetron, Paclitaxel, Phenothiazines, Phenytoin, Quinidine, Ranitidine, Rifampin, Rifamycin,  Selamectin, Sparfloxacin, Tacrolimus, Tetracycline, Verapamil, Vinblastine, Vincristine. Additional drugs beyond this list could have a negative effect on dogs with the MDR1 mutation and it is recommended to consult a licensed veterinarian for more information.

Breeds Affected by MDR1

  • Australian Shepherd
  • Border Collie
  • Collie
  • English Shepherd
  • German Shepherd Dog
  • Long-haired Whippet
  • McNab
  • Old English Sheepdog
  • Shetland Sheepdog
  • Silken Windhound

Link to the MDR1 Test

You can locate the GenSol MDR1 test by following this link: Multidrug Sensitivity (MDR1)

Other Helpful Links

Photo credit Summer Johnson

Intestinal Cobalamin Malabsorption Beagle (IGS-BEA)

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Imerslund-Grasbeck Syndrome (IGS), also known as intestinal cobalamin malabsorption is a disorder in which a dog is unable to absorb adequate levels of Vitamin B12.  Absorption of Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin which occurs in the small intestine is inadequate in dogs affected with IGS and leads to a deficiency in this vitamin.  Dogs that inherit this disease are born with a small amount of vitamin B12 that is quickly depleted and leads to symptoms of the disease within 6-12 weeks after birth.  These symptoms can include failure to thrive and gain weight, lack of appetite, anemia and lethargy. Symptoms will typically appear to intensify after eating.  IGS can be managed with regular vitamin B12 diet supplementation, however without treatment this disease can progress to permanent brain and nervous system damage.

Additional GenSol Tests for Beagle Diseases

Visit our Beagle disease page for easy access to ordering

Other Helpful Information on Beagles

Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD)

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Canine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (CLAD) is an inherited condition that is due to abnormal white blood cells or leukocytes that impair the ability of a dog’s immune system to respond to infection.  Dogs will typically develop symptoms at less than 12 weeks of age and can include umbilical infection, fever, poor growth and insufficient wound healing.  Additional symptoms can include infection of the gums with salivation and abnormal skin infections.  Pathology testing will typically show a high white blood cell count because cells are still produced but are unable to move into tissue to fight infection.  Infections will respond to antibiotics but can reoccur once treatment is stopped so puppies will typically die by 6 months of age.

Additional GenSol Tests for Irish Setter Diseases

Visit our Irish Setter page for easy access to ordering.

Other Helpful Information on Irish Setters

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