What's your opinion on DM carriers - Page 6

Thank you, Blitzen!
If this is true ( and 3.800 dogs tested should be enough for a statistical projection ) it´s almost impossible to use DM free dogs only, but this also shows how important testing is.
What would I do based on these figures ?
I wouldn´t hesitate to breed a carrier to a free dog. (I still wouldn´t breed carrier/carrier, cause I don´t want to see any dogs suffer in case they are born affected and develop DM, only because I bred their parents knowing about the risks).

It has to be a very big concern, Susie. I agree, no carrier to carrier. When you have time, look at that database to see if you recognize any of the kennel names.

Susie, I just email the Vet DNA center, the other lab doing the DM tests, asking them if there are any statistics available regarding the percentages of GSD's tested that are clear, carriers, at risks. I'll let you know if I get an anwer.

I received a reply - they do not keep records on that and referred me to the OFA database.

The OFA site lists 4,464 German Shepherd dogs tested, here is the OFA listed percentages:

2,316 tested clears, 52%

1,409 tested carriers, 32%

728 tested at risk, 16%

My concern is this test is not for the form of DM that afflicts GSDs and breeders have been using the clear results as an advertising tool leading potential buyers to falsely believe their dog could not possibly have DM.

Don't forget to factor in the ones that are not reported there, probably at risks and carriers.  Still we end up with about the same percentages of each. OFA must have updated the database since I looked at it, added more dogs and results, good things. It's interesting to me that the dogs I know about that have been diagnosed with DM at autopsy tested at risk. Some vets use the test to verify their diagnosis of DM - or not.  Also some of the same dogs are behind the carriers and the at risks. After a little while it becomes clearer that there is a definite pattern that suggests the simple recesive mode of inheritance. Personally I feel as if it is a valid test but the jury is still out and I understand why there is some doubt.

Thank you both!

One more request - may you send me the link to the OFA database?
Thanks in advance

Susie

removing double post

http://www.offa.org/results.html?num=&registrar=&namecontains=N&part=&breed%5B%5D=GS&breedlist=ALL&variety%5B%5D=&sex=&birthday_start_month=&birthday_start_year=&birthday_end_month=&birthday_end_year=&birthday=&regcode%5B%5D=DM&rptdte_start_month=&rptdte_start_year=&rptdte_end_month=&rptdte_end_year=&rptdte=&submit=Begin+Search

You can break it all down by dogs' names, results, etc by clicking on the advanced search tab on the left. If you see a dog you want more information on, click on the name and if there is anything additional you can see it. There are pedigrees for some too. If you need help, let me know. Once you get on to it, it really offers a lot  of information on many of the dogs - OFA hips and elbow, thyroid test results, cardiac,CHIC. etc. and you can often get information for sevearl generations. It take a while to get the hang of it, but once you do it can be a very valuable tool

Does anyone know the percentage of at risk dogs that actually develope DM? My oldest girl is very likely at risk because her mother and two older sisters both tested at risk. Her dam is nearly ten years old and going strong; her sisters are 7 and not quite 6, and they too are doing well. Her sire was never tested because he died suddenly and unexpectedly right after the breeder ordered the tests; his full sister tested clear though, so there is a chance he was simply a carrier and some of his offspring might also be carriers and not affected. I can only hope for the best for Willow.

I have been trying to educate my self as much as possible on DM, so any information would be greatly appreciated.

I am not a breeder, most likely I never will be, but I will never again purchase a dog or puppy from a carrier/carrier or at risk/at risk breeding again. The worry and heartache is simply not worth it.