GREAT NEWS! DNA Test for Degenerative Myelopathy - Page 4

<<The difference is HUGE! DR Clemmons DM Flash Test was created for the German Shepherd Dog and I hope GSD people will support the work done by Dr Clemmons and use the test designed for the German Shepherd Dog>>>

Ok,  having a hard time getting it all straight..  can someone verify that I have the right test/names/details paired up???

Dr. Clemmons..  DM Flash Test..   this is the BLOOD SAMPLE test?  and breed specific??

Dr. Coates..  DM Gene test..   this is the cheeck swab test,  and not breed specific for gsds?? 

Are these the only two tests that exist and are being discussed or is there more?

Do I have that sorted out correctly?  I can't get through all of the other information and details until I have the right names and tests paired up in my mind.   Otherwise the more I read the more I get confused about which is what!!

GSDXephyr, you are correct- you got it right :) The DM Flash Test is for German Shepherds, it is a breed specific test , named after Jack Flash, the other half of my soul, who I lost to DM.

These are the only 2 tests out there, now, for DM, but only the Flash Test (remember Jack Flash) is specifically for German Shepherd Dogs.

My understanding and rationale for using the DNA instead of the Flash test:

The Flash test is not a stand-alone screening test to identify dogs that MAY develop or produce DM in the future. It is a diagnostic test for dogs that have already began to develop DM albeit some may be in the very early stages of the disease and assymptomatic. This early identification would give the owner the opportunity to take advantage of Clemmon's research and established protocol to try to stave off and lessen the impact of DM.  Other tests are required in addition to the Flash test to make a definitive diagnosis? Is that right or will the Flash test also identify dogs likely to be carriers or likely to develop the disease prior to their becoming symptomatic?

The DNA test will identify those dogs of selected breeds (including the GSD) that are apt to develop or produce DM in the future.  Coates's research has included the GSD and it appears that the markers for DM are  the same  as for the other breeds she included although the diseases may progress differently in other breeds and may not be considered precisely the same entity.  Dr. Clemmons' focus has been exclusive to the GSD and for that reason his tests are more specific to the breed and will be of more benefit to the breed in the future assuming breeders actually start to use them and report the results to the database.  In the big picture, both tests/protocols can only benefit the breed, but breeders need to use them first. 

The only reason I used the DNA swab and not the Flash test as it's my understanding that if the Flash test is positive, then a number of other diagnostic tests are called for. I see nothing right now that concerns me in a 7 year old dog, however I want to be proactive and learn if there is a possibility he will develop DM in the future. He will never be bred, but he has quite a few very well known inports in his immediate pedigree and any information I  learn from the DNA test could benefit many other GSD's in the future. When the results are back from OFA I will certainly allow them to be entered into their database and will provide those results and his pedigree to anyone who is interested.

Marj will correct me on my errors here and I imagine there are a few to be corrrected. As I've said before in this thread, I look a the DNA test as a preliminary test that will give me an educated idea on whether or not my pet will develop DM sometime in the future. If his test is positive, then I will arm myself with literature and learn what to watch for knowing (and  hoping) that he may never become symptomatic. If I see anything that concerns me, I then go to Clemmons, the Flash test and whatever else he suggests to me at that time.

Forgetting the emotional end of DM, the big picture here is to see the value each and all of these tests offer to the breed. To not use any of them is a missed opportunity for GSD breeder to do something very imortant to assure the future of the breed both here and in Germany. No need to withhold dogs testing "positive" from a breeding program and I suspect that is part of the hesitation of using either of these protocols, fear of peer retribution. A dog that tests postive can be bred to a clear dog and if that is done consistently over time the incidence of DM in the breed can be gr

................greatly reduced.

thanks Blitzen, that's what I'm trying to understand here.   If the swab test (which I also already sent in to be tested) is actually accurate in identifying a carrier in the gsd breed?   Or if it's not accurate for this breed and a dog without the markers being tested for in that one can still be a carrier for the disease.  My head is spinning,  trying to brush up on my biology terminology and sort through the debate at the same time!

Heather

I don't fully understand it either, Heather.  I do know if I were a GSD breeder and my dog turned out to be at high risk for producing GSDM and assuming I liked that dog in all other ways, I'd try to find a mate that tested negative rather than use an unknown or another carrier.  However, the problem may be that most are not going to use either test right now which could make it tough to find a suitable mate for an already tested dog. When I first got into breeding dogs, OFA was just established for the evaluation of hip conformation. At first it didn't look as if xraying and certifying hips was going to go anywhere in the dog world. Peer pressure finally did the job and now most can't sell a puppy or find a stud service in most large breeds without an OFA number. Breeders are gradually becoming more aware of health issues and the importance of using the available tests for their breeding stock. When more start to do it, more will have to follow if they want to sell puppies and get stud services.

I applaude you for having your dog tested. 

--- >The Flash test is not a stand-alone screening test to identify dogs that MAY develop or produce DM in the future.

That would be incorrect! (Sorry..) It is a screening test for any dog, healthy or not, old or young, DM signs or no DM signs. Neither the gene test or the Flash test can say with certainty that a dog will develop DM . However, a GSD with a positive Flash test has a 12 fold increase risk of developing GSDM.

 

-- >It is a diagnostic test for dogs that have already began to develop DM 

 

That would be incorrect (sorry :(  ), as well! It is for any dog, healthy or not, old or young, DM signs or no DM signs.

 

--- > Other tests are required in addition to the Flash test to make a definitive diagnosis?The only reason I used the DNA swab and not the Flash test as it's my understanding that if the Flash test is positive, then a number of other diagnostic tests are called for.

 

If you are seeking a diagnosis for a dog showing full blown DM symptoms, other tests are done to confirm.  It is also important to remember that a dog that has DM may also have another condition- just because a dog has DM does not mean it cant get another condition!! There may be 2 problems going on, simulataneously, which is why it is important to test using a full screening method. A dog can have DM and Cauda Equina, or Disk Disease all at the same time. However, we have found that the Flash Test is quite accurate when a dog is showing full blown DM symptoms and comes out positive. 

by marjorie on 12 August 2008 - 01:08

...continued....

If an older GSD has clinical signs,It is a great diagnostic test with a 96% sensitivity and 99% specificity. I correctly identifies those dogs who have GSDM from those (proportionately more) who do not have GSDM once clinical signs develop. A GSD with a positive Flash Test has a 12 fold increased risk of developing DM.

 

Neither the gene test or the Flash Test can tell you which dogs to eliminate from the gene pool- it is way too early in research to be able to do that. Neither test can predict which dogs will develop DM! However, since the gene is not the soul factor for developing DM, I am not sure that genetic testing and elimination of carriers and at risk patients is appropriate, at this stage of either research, as Based upon our research work, that could mean removing 75% of GSDs. That is foolish. We need much more info, since many factors not just one, cause a dog to develop DM.

  Marjorie
http://www.gsdbbr.org --> The German Shepherd Dog Breed Betterment Registry (including frozen/chilled semen database)
Please utilize this registry to ensure a healthy future for our breed!
Be PROACTIVE!
 http://mzjf.com --> The Degenerative Myelopathy Support Group