Canine herpes virus (CHV) Canine herpes virus (CHV) is an alphaherpesvirus affecting dogs worldwide, and is a well-known agent of lethal neonatal canine infections and the fading puppy syndrome. The virus is very common and it has been found all over the world. The prevalence of the infected dogs depends on the region, from 20%…
Doubts and questions regarding breeding carriers have been present among dog breeders since first development of modern dog breeds. With the fast development in the field of genetics and molecular biology, a number of DNA tests became available for purebred dogs. These tests became a powerful tool in the control of the quality of one’s dog, but DNA tests also enabled planning of breeding program on a whole new level.
Inherited canine eye disorders comprise a large number of ocular pathologies and their occurrence depends on genetic inheritance by the offspring from their parents. General knowledge about hereditary eye diseases has increased significantly during the last twenty years, and today they are among the best described and best characterized group of all inherited canine diseases.
The bond between humans and dogs is unique, closer than between any other species. This bond is a result of dog breeding, which started to form more than 100 000 years ago with the first domesticated wolf.
By introducing new innovative technologies in our daily work, we have reached an extraordinary speed of performing genetic tests, together with keeping high quality service. From now on, genetic tests we guarantee results in 24 or 48 hours. You can recognize express tests in our web shop by 24h or 48h sticker. Here you can see the complete lists of 24h and 48h express tests.
In previous years, big advances have been made in understanding of dog genetics. Different traits or inherited diseases differ among each other in modes of inheritance. Progress in the field of dog genetics, the CanMap project and recognition of a dog as a model for a number of inherited diseases in humans led to identification of mutations associated with many different diseases and traits found in various dog breeds.
Now breeders can take care of their breeding stock by DNA testing for neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, sensory, renal, metabolic and other numerous disorders. A lot of information of dog disease genetics was acquired in a short amount of time. Although it will take time to fully come to understanding all of the findings, it is necessary for breeders to understand the DNA tests results they get for their dogs. To be able to put the results to use in practice, basic knowledge of modes of inheritance is needed.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a common term used for a group of inherited retinal diseases. During the progression of the disease, retina of the eye degenerates over time, eventually worsening the condition and ultimately leading to blindness.
Dog DNA sample collection kit is used for dog DNA sample collection, which is usually a first step in a longer laboratory process. DNA extraction is an important part of the process because the DNA needs to be purified and separated from proteins and other cellular contaminants. It is based on combination of different physical…
As one of our working goals, AnimaLabs© is focusing on assisting breeders in their future breeding with the use of DNA tests in order to breed healthy animals. Due to high interest, AnimaLabs© decided to suggest cooperation with breed clubs in order to fulfill that goal. We are very pleased that the breed clubs recognized the benefits and importance of our cooperation, and that we provided breed club members timely recognition of their animals’ susceptibility to developing inherited diseases; all at affordable and reasonable prices.
German shepherds as we know them today is a relatively new breed. This breed is the result of a vision of a man named Max von Stepanitz. His vision was to create a superior German herding work dog. He pictured an athletic, intelligent dog that was fast, capable and had a good sense of smell. In 1899 during a show Von Stepanitz came across a dog named Hektor Linksrhein, which was just like the one he had imagined. Von Stepanitz bought the dog immediately and changed its name to Horand von Grafrath. Soon after that he founded The German Shepherd Association to establish a breed from Horand’s descendants. Rapid industrialization reduced the need for shepherd dogs, so the future of this breed was focused on police and military work.
In the last 200-300 years, intense artificial selection has led to the development of great number of dog breeds. Today this number exceeds 400 diverse breeds. Although phenotypic variabilities between breeds are large, breed gene pools are reduced because of intense selection and passing through bottlenecks.
In November 2014., AnimaLabs finally got an opportunity to present itself in CACIB International dog show, where we collected samples for free testing for degenerative myelopathy, a serious and dangerous disease about which we posted before. We were glad to see such a great interest among dogs owners, who will recieve their dog’s test results soon.
Canine degenerative myelopathy (DM) is an adult onset, progressive neurodegenerative disease of the spinal cord. Most dogs are at least 8 years old before the onset of clinical signs. The initial signs of degenerative myelopathy typically include asymmetric general proprioceptive ataxia and spastic paresis in the pelvic limbs. At this stage, segmental spinal reflexes are indicative of upper motor neuron loss. The disease duration can exceed 3 years, however, its progression is relentless, and dog owners usually elect euthanasia within a year of diagnosis when their dogs become paraplegic. When euthanasia is delayed, weakness can ascend to the thoracic limbs with the emergence of lower motor neuron signs such as flaccid tetraplegia, widespread muscle atrophy, dysphagia, and inability to bark.