Canine Disease Testing
Muscular Dystrophy
Cost Per Sample $45.00
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Muscular Dystrophy in Golden Retrievers (GRMD)
Description:
GRMD is a mutation of the dystrophin gene that causes a deficiency of dystrophin proteins in Golden Retrievers. The lack of dystrophin proteins leads to the progressive degeneration of skeletal and cardiac muscles. The disease is similar to the human disease, muscular dystrophy.
Symptoms appear relatively quickly, at about six weeks to two months of age. A dog with muscular dystrophy will exhibit muscle weakness, difficulty standing or walking normally, and difficulty swallowing. Symptoms can range from relatively mild to severe, but GRMD is generally fatal at about 6 months of age.
The GRMD mutation is sex-linked and located on the X chromosome. So while both male and female dogs can be affected, GRMD is mostly a disease related to male Goldens. Females can be carriers of the mutation, however, will not exhibit any symptoms. DNA testing to identify both male and female carriers is important to remove them from the breeding population.
Acceptable Sample Types:
Animal Genetics accepts buccal swab, blood, and dewclaw samples for testing. Complimentary sample collection kits are available and can be ordered at Canine Test Now.
This Test Is Relevant For the Following Breeds:
- Golden Retriever
Results:
Animal Genetics offers DNA testing for Muscular Dystrophy. The genetic test verifies the presence of the X-linked Muscular Dystrophy mutation and presents results as one of the following:
| MD/MD | Affected | The dog carries two copies of the mutant gene and is homozygous for Muscular Dystrophy. The dog is affected by Muscular Dystrophy and will always pass a copy of the mutation to its offspring. |
| MD/n | Gender-Specific | Both the normal and mutant copies of the gene detected. Male dogs with one copy of the mutation are affected. Female dogs with one copy of the GRMD mutation are carriers. |
| n/n | Clear | Dog tested negative for the Muscular Dystrophy mutation and will not pass on the defective gene to its offspring. |
Submit a Sample for Testing:
To submit a sample for testing please go to Canine Test Now.
To
order a sample collection kit please go to order sample collection kits.
Cost per sample is $45.00. Please see our Canine Fee Schedule for all test rates.
