Wisdom Panel DNA testing for Dogs can help!
Being the owner of a lovable mutt we have made guesses based on his handsome looks and his behavior but we really have no idea what breeds of dog he might be since he was found abandoned with his Mom & sisters in Mississippi. After reading through the Wisdom Panel Q&A below you’ll see that knowing the breed of your dog and some genetic markers can be important not just to cure your curiosity but to help give your dog the right kind of treatment and to prevent him from having an adverse reaction to certain drugs.
Mars Veterinary, the industry leader in canine genetic testing, is launching their next evolution of the canine DNA test—Wisdom Panel® 3.0— and is not only expanding the breed screening coverage, but the medical applications as well with the new MDR1 Genetic Mutation screening.
This test will be available this coming weekend in Vail! Mark your calendars!
June 4-7: GoPRO Mountain Games in Vail, CO – swabbing
Wisdom Panel 3.0 Q&A
Q: What is WISDOM PANEL®
A: Wisdom Panel® 3.0 is the next evolution of the canine DNA test from industry leader, Mars Veterinary, which features the potentially life-saving Multi-Drug Resistance 1 (MDR1) genetic mutation screening.
Q: How does the DNA test work?
A: Testing your dog with Wisdom Panel® 3.0 begins when you use the cheek swabs to collect a DNA sample from inside your dog’s cheek, and then send the swabs into the laboratory. Once your sample is received at the lab it is scanned into the Wisdom Panel database and assigned to a batch for testing.
The swabs then undergo processing to extract the DNA from your dog’s cells which are then examined for the 321 markers used in the test. The results of these markers are sent to a computer that evaluates them using a proprietary algorithm designed to consider all of the possible pedigree trees in the last three generations.
These trees include a simple pedigree with a single breed (a likely pure-bred dog) all the way up to a complex tree with eight different great-grandparent breeds. The algorithm uses information from the extensive Wisdom Panel breed database (more than 10,000 samples!) to fill out these potential pedigrees.
For each of the millions of combinations of ancestry trees built and considered, the computer gives each a score representing how well that selected combination of breeds matched to your dog’s data.
The pedigree with the overall best score is selected and provided to you in your dog’s individualized report. Reports take approximately 2-3 weeks from the time a sample is received for analysis to be completed.
Q: Why is it important to understand the genetic makeup of my dog?
A: With millions of mixed-breed dog owners in the U.S., having access to reliable breed ancestry information can be critical for the nutrition, training and overall healthcare of their furry family member. Understanding the breeds that make up their dog enables much more targeted care and in some cases provides lifesaving information
Q: What insights are offered through canine genetic testing?
A: Wisdom Panel® 3.0 covers 250+ breeds, types and varieties including all those recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and can be run for mixed-breed, designer, or purebred dogs. Results provide ancestry information back to the great-grandparent level, potentially life-saving MDR1 Genetic Mutation screening, and a predicted weight profile.
Q: What are the benefits of canine genetic testing?
A: Visual identification of a dog’s breed(s) is only accurate about 25% of the time. That leaves a 75% chance for error and mis-identification, which can mean creating much less effective health, nutrition and behavioral plans. Additionally, in the case of Wisdom Panel® 3.0, the test can also provide potentially life-saving information with the MDR1 genetic mutation screening, something that going on looks alone an owner could erroneously think the dog isn’t at risk for.
MDR1 or Multi-Drug Resistance 1 is a genetic mutation found in some herding and sighthound breeds, as well as many mixed-breed dogs. The MDR1 gene is responsible for production of a protein called P-glycoprotein. The P-glycoprotein molecule is a drug transport pump that plays an important role in limiting drug absorption and distribution (particularly to the brain) and enhancing the excretion/elimination of many drugs used in dogs.
Dogs with the MDR1-mutation may have severe adverse reactions to some common drugs, so it is important to test mixed-breed (and purebreds with the high-propensity breeds) dogs and for owners to share results with their veterinarian so they can provide the dog with for the best possible care.
For more information on breeds and drugs affected by the MDR1 mutation, visit mdr1 screening.
Q: How accurate is Wisdom Panel® 3.0?
A: Wisdom Panel does not offer a guaranteed accuracy level, however if a good, clean sample is obtained—dog does not share any food/toys/water with any other dogs prior to testing and doesn’t eat any food/treats—accuracy can be about 90%.
Q: How long does it take to receive results?
A: It normally takes 2-3 weeks from the time a sample is received for the genetic testing and analysis to be completed.
Q: What’s the benefit to using Wisdom Panel® 3.0?
A: Benefits of DNA testing your dog with Wisdom Panel® 3.0 include:
- Screening for the MDR1 genetic mutation and determining potential risk for adverse reactions to some common drugs. A better understanding of your dog’s natural behavior tendencies to help with training.
- Providing him with tailored nutrition based on any needs associated with their breed(s).
- Assisting in determining what the size of your dog might be if he is a puppy or a healthy weight range if already full grown.
- Allowing you to be proactive about any health concerns or common issues associated with the breeds found in your dog.
These pieces of information, among others, will allow you to help your dog lead a happy and healthy life and become a better pet-parent.
Q: When and where will the products be available for purchase?
A: Wisdom Panel® 3.0 kits are available now, and can be purchased online through the Wisdom Panel website – www.WisdomPanel.com.
Q: What’s new with the Wisdom Panel® 3.0 kit?
A: New benefits of the Wisdom Panel® 3.0 kit include:
- MDR1 genetic mutation screening for risk of adverse reaction to some common drugs.
- Increased breed screening database – 3.0 now covers 250+ breeds, types and varieties including all those recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Q: Can I still buy Wisdom Panel® 2.0?
A: The Wisdom Panel® 2.0 kit is still available for purchase at select brick and mortar retailers.
Q: Where can consumers find out more information about Wisdom Panel?
A: Visit www.WisdomPanel.com for more information and to purchase a kit, or come to the GoPRO Mountain Games in Vail Colorado June 4-7, 2015.
- June 4-7: GoPRO Mountain Games in Vail, CO – swabbing
- August 1-2: Amazing Pet Expo in Austin, TX – swabbing
- TBD October: Mars Pet Adoption Fair in Franklin, TN – swabbing
- TBD December: Amazing Pet Expo Holiday in Los Angeles, CA – swabbing
This is a sponsored post by Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel 3.0 – I am receiving a test kit for my mutt and I promise to let everyone know exactly what this gorgeous boy’s ancestry is!
