Pembroke Welsh Corgi ONLY
Degenerative Myelopathy Risk Modifier (DMRM)
Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a late-onset disease characterized initially by loss of coordination (ataxia) and spastic weakness in the hind limbs typically at 8 to 10 years of age. Over 6 months to 2 years after the onset of signs, progressive paralysis spreads to affect all limbs. In late stages of dogs may become incontinent and develop respiratory impairment. The disorder occurs in many breeds, including Pembroke Welsh Corgis (PWCs), in which it is associated with a mutation in the SOD1 gene. However, not all PWCs that are homozygous for the SOD1 risk variant develop the disease. This suggested that there might be other genetic variants that modify the risk of developing DM among dogs that are homozygous for the SOD1 risk variant. Ivansson and colleagues found that in PWCs, alternate variants in the SP110 gene modify the risk of developing DM among dogs homozygous for the risk allele. Dogs that are homozygous for the SOD1 risk variant and have one or two copies of the SP110 risk variant are significantly higher risk of developing DM than dogs that do not have any copies of the SP110 risk variant.
Reference: Ivansson EL, Megquier K, Kozyreva SV, Izabella EM, Körbergc B, Swofford R, Koltookian M, Tonomura N, Zeng R, Kolicheskie AL, Hansen L, Katz ML, Johnson GC, Johnson GS, Coates JR, Lindblad-Toh K. “Variants within SP110 modify risk of canine degenerative myelopathy: a model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.” Proc Nat Acad Sci (USA), PNAS, E3091-E3100, 2016. Genes 14:1746, 2023.
Gene: SP110
Tests are ordered online through the secure area of the OFA website. Payment is accepted by credit card (MasterCard and VISA). The OFA administers all order handling. Upon receipt of an order, the OFA will send out the test kit which will include a Foam-Tipped Applicator card for DNA sample collection, along with sample collection instructions. Using the FTA card technology, owners can safely collect DNA samples at home. The collection process is non-invasive, and no veterinary appointment is necessary.
Samples are then sent to the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine where the samples will be processed by the Small Animal Molecular Genetics Lab. Results will be forwarded to the OFA, and the OFA will issue the resulting report to the owner.
The fee for each test includes the test kit, laboratory processing, and subsequent registration in the OFA databases.