New disease being tested for by Embark Veterinary DNA

 

Copper Toxicosis (Accumulating) is a new test designed by Embark Veterinary in May 2024.

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For dogs tested prior to May 2024, Embark results would not have included this new test and may  later come back as carrying this variant. The only way to test would be to have dogs tested prior to May 2024, re-tested.

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Owners of many dogs who have tested as carries for Copper Toxicosis (Accumulating) have been left confused by the result as it's not been detected in their dog's breed/s.

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Embark states that research studies for this variant have been based on dogs of other breeds. Not enough dogs have been studied to know whether or not this variant will increase the dogs risk of developing this disease. Bedlington Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Skye Terriers, Keeshonds, American Cocker Spaniels, Dalmatians, Anatolian Shepherds, West Highland White Terriers are the breeds that have known to be affected by CT(a). The affected breeds are NOT in the make up our dogs, which are German/Swiss Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky.

Embark states that the risk of Copper Toxicosis (Accumulating) variant in breeds other than the Labrador and Doberman is currently unknown.

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Even if a dog is found to have inherited two copies of the variant with Embark, this has not impacted the dog in any way.

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Embark states on their results that they do not know whether even inheriting two copies increases the risk of the development of Copper Toxicosis. ​They say research studies for this variant have been based on dogs of other breeds and research into the clinical impact of this variant is ongoing.

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Embark's advice 12 June 2024: "We do not recommend breeding decisions are based on this result alone at this time. We recommend considering other factors such as temperament, structure and other health testing results, when deciding whether to breed."

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Even though this result does not appear relevant to our breeds at this point in time, and given Embark's advice on the ongoing testing and not being breed-relevant, all Embark DNA test results are being kept and tracked with the Lykos Wolfalike Council of Australia.

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Link to Embark's website about the variant

 

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