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What does Paw Print Genetics test for?
Paw Print Genetics tests for a large number of genetic mutations associated with diseases or traits in dogs. Through cutting edge technology, high quality, human grade laboratory standards, and decades of genetics experience, we are committed to providing services that will assist in protecting the emotional and financial investment that breeders and pet owners have in their dogs. We do this by testing for a variety of preventable, inherited diseases and genetic traits such as coat color. In addition, we assist veterinarians in the diagnosis of suspected heritable diseases seen in clinical practice.
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How does Paw Print Genetics select the tests they offer?
Paw Print Genetics selects tests by researching current medical literature and using information from trusted sources that have identified particular genetic disease causing mutations.
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When should I test?
It is always best to test a dog before it is bred so that you are aware of any potential genetic disorders that it could pass to its offspring. We suggest testing as an ongoing part of your breeding program, before you invest significant time and resources into training a dog for specialized work, before buying a puppy, or if your dog becomes symptomatic with a potentially inherited disease. We have sample guidelines (https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/samples/) to assist you in testing a dog at any age, including puppies. Testing today can mean healthier and more productive lives for your dogs and increased value for your breeding program.
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Can I test before my puppies are weaned?
Yes, puppies can be tested at any age. However, if they are not weaned yet, we ask that you separate them from their mother for at least one hour prior to collecting a sample using a cheek swab. This is to ensure we get the DNA of the puppy instead of the mom's DNA. During this time, they should have plenty of water and should not be allowed food to avoid contamination of samples. Paw Print Genetics accepts many types of samples. Tissue samples such as umbilical cords and dewclaws allow you to get results on your puppies earlier than when you use a cheek swab. You can review all sample types and guidelines on our website.
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Why should I order a panel?
Panels represent those diseases found in a particular breed. Even though your dog or your dog's lineage may not indicate that some of these diseases are in the breeding line, most inherited diseases are silent and not recognizable in the carriers. Breeding two carriers together may produce puppies with disease. By testing for all the diseases in this panel, you can eliminate the chance that these diseases will be passed on to the offspring through selective breeding.
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Why would I order tests from a related breed?
The breeds we know today have been selectively bred for from a few common ancestors. Breeds that were derived from common ancestors constitute a breed group. Because a breed group is genetically related, mutations and diseases in ancestors or within a breed put all breeds within that group at risk for the same inherited disorders. Therefore, we have provided you the diseases that occur in common ancestors and related breeds so that you can decide whether you wish to also exclude these diseases in your dog.
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Does Paw Print Genetics offer discount testing?
All of the breed-specific panels offered by Paw Print Genetics are discounted, as well as when you order multiple tests on the same dog. In addition, Paw Print Genetics offers discounts for multiple dogs and litters. View our current discounts.
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Why are panels discounted?
Paw Print Genetics feels strongly about the panel approach to disease testing. Many diseases are late-onset and dogs may not show symptoms prior to being bred; one cannot look at a dog and know if they carry a genetic disease that can be passed on to its puppies. Testing for all diseases that occur in a breed makes good sense to those that are trying to eliminate genetic diseases from their breeding lines and produce the genetically healthiest puppies possible.
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Does Paw Print Genetics do parentage or lineage testing?
Yes, Paw Print Genetics offers both Parentage testing and DNA Profiling. You can review and order these tests here.
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Where can I find prices for Paw Print Genetics' tests?
Please click here for our current price list.
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My bitch is pregnant. Will this interfere with the testing?
Paw Print Genetics can test your pregnant dog and the pregnancy will not affect our genetic testing in any way. In fact, it would be better to do it now, rather than after the pups are born and mom is licking them. It is important to try to reduce contamination, so testing her right now would be ideal.
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When is the best time to test a puppy?
You can test them at anytime. If you are planning ahead for your upcoming litter, we suggest sending umbilical cords or dewclaws (if you usually remove them) or docked tails (depending on the breed). You can also send blood. These tissue types allow us to get started earlier in their lives. Otherwise, we suggest doing cheek swabs around 4 weeks of age or when the pups can be safely isolated from mom and sibs for at least an hour. If you do cheek swabs, please have someone help you hold them and give them plenty of water during the 1 hour wait.
For each swab, insert between the cheek and gum and press gently towards the outside, against the cheek. Rub and roll the swab against the cheek for a slow count of 30-45. This should collect enough cells for DNA extraction. Then repeat with the other swabs. Return all 3 swabs to the laboratory. If you are shipping international, please send 4-5 swabs per dog.
The mistakes that many people make are (1) not having someone help them hold their pup and (2) not staying in the mouth long enough to collect enough cells.