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 Video
- Dr. Jim Humphries, VNN - What Is That
Doggie?
Just What IS That Doggie in the Window?
 VNN
-- Call them mutts or hybrids, mixed breed
dogs are definitely one of the most beloved
pets. Some people are proud of their “half
Collie, half Shepherd” and others are just
as content to call their dog a “Heinz 57”.
But, how do you know what the "mix" is in
your mixed breed dog? More importantly, does
it really matter?
Until recently, most people could only guess
as to their pet’s ancestry. The American
Kennel Club recognizes more than 150 breeds
of dogs and 62 more are considered
Foundation Stock. About 400 hybrid breeds
are listed by the Hybrid Breed Club. Without
some sort of validation from the breeder,
people were at a loss to discover what type
of dog their pet might be. But, the mapping
of the canine genome has now given
scientists new tools to help answer some
owners’ questions about their pet’s “roots”.
It is now known that humans first
domesticated dogs from wolves more than
13,000 years ago, but some “tame” wolves may
have associated with early humans as far
back as 100,000 years ago. The mapping of
the dog’s genome has validated that all of
our canine friends, purebred and mutt,
descend from the gray wolf. It may seem
far-fetched, but Chihuahuas and Great Danes
have almost identical DNA and, believe it or
not, could actually breed and reproduce.
Although most people are content with the
love and affection of their mutt, a recent
survey showed that 60% of dog owners would
welcome knowledge that would help them
better understand their pets.
The Wisdom Panel® DNA test for mixed breed
dogs enables some of these owners to find
answers. This new analysis is a
comprehensive DNA based test that uses
unique, breed-specific markers in the DNA to
identify what breeds are most common in a
dog’s ancestry. By taking advantage of
something called "SNiPs" or single
nucleotide polymorphisms, scientists have
designed blood tests that can determine from
what breeds your dog might have descended.
SNiPs are single changes in the DNA code
that allow researchers to track human
population migration, or for CSI fans, to
find the murder suspect from a single drop
of blood.
With a small amount of blood drawn by your
veterinarian, the Wisdom Panel can determine
your pet’s unique ancestry through the use
of more than 300 SNiPs. According to Genetic
Research Manager, Dr. Paul Jones of Mars
Veterinary, the Wisdom Panel has the ability
to identify 134 AKC registered dog breeds
that could be present in your pet’s past.
Validation testing by Mars, which is
ongoing, has shown an 84% accuracy rate.
So what does all of this mean for you?
Knowing the breed predilection to various
diseases, could this test predict that your
pet will develop cancer or kidney failure?
Dr. Lowell Ackerman, a board certified
veterinary dermatologist and noted author
says that the test is “really more for
entertainment rather than medical or
diagnostic purposes.” A point with which Dr.
Jones agrees. He states “the Wisdom Panel
should only be used for informational
purposes. It should not be used to try and
link a disease process with a pet because of
its ancestry and known pre-disposition to
certain diseases or congenital
malformations.”
And what about the legal implications? Could
an insurance company deny coverage to you
because of your dog’s ancestry? To date,
this has not been an issue, but the thought
does raise questions. As an example, some
cities have tried to enact pit bull bans.
But, according to Jones, there is no method
of proving pit bull ancestry due to the
genetic variability of this dog. Could other
“aggressive” breeds be singled out? Is it
possible you may have to move because of
your Rottweiler or Doberman? Could your
homeowner's insurance deny you coverage
because your dog has too much German
Shepherd?
For those folks who want to provide the
latest in pet identification, there is even
a DNA fingerprinting test for your pet
available through www.PetGadgets.com. Using
a cheek swab (just like CSI), scientists can
often gather enough DNA to create a DNA
fingerprint for your pet. Unfortunately,
unlike CSI, pet owners often have to send
multiple samples in order to generate enough
DNA for the testing. Kansas State University
uses similar testing to verify identity and
parentage of racing greyhounds.
If you want to know more about your pet’s
genetic background, ask your family
veterinarian about the Wisdom Panel. After a
simple blood sample, you can expect results
back within a few weeks. These tests usually
cost between $100 and $200. The cost
difference may reflect your veterinarian’s
involvement and consultation in the
interpretation of the results.
All in all, the Wisdom Panel could be a fun
way of taking a new look at your family pet.
You should remember that there are
limitations to this test and it will not
likely provide any concrete evidence of
either medical or behavioral issues. If you
have concerns about breed specific diseases
or problems, talk with your veterinarian.
There are specific DNA tests available for
many hereditary diseases of dogs. To see a
video on this and many other medical
advances, visit
www.MyVNN.com.
Click here for a sample test result from the
Wisdom Test.
http://www.myvnn.com/library/documents/Stories/Doggie%20DNA%20Test/Wisdom%20Panel%20Fact%20Sheet.doc
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