New DNA test can help pet owners find out about your dog’s family history!
Is your dog half Shepherd, half Collie? Or maybe he has some Labrador or Spaniel in his background too? For most owners of mixed breed dogs, these questions couldn’t be answered. But now, a new genetic test can shine some light on your dog’s ancestry. Sounds exciting, but how good is the science behind test?
More than half of the dogs in the US are considered to be mixed breed dogs, or more affectionately, mutts. And, owners of those mutts are saying that they would welcome any advance that might help them better understand their beloved pets.
Enter the Wisdom Panel® DNA test! Utilizing technology similar to forensic scientists uncovering murder suspects from blood left at the murder scene, veterinary scientists can now glimpse into a pet’s past and identifies major breeds in the dog’s background. Dr. Paul Jones of Mars Veterinary states that this panel can identify 134 AKC recognized breeds and has an accuracy rate of 84%.
But, is this test worth the cost? Dr. Carol Osborne, Ohio based veterinarian and noted author says that the Wisdom Panel® is “available at her office in Chagrin Falls and offers pet owners a source to determined their dogs genetic history and may help to determined their pets hereditary predisposition to certain diseases, which then allows lifestyle recommendations to be made that may benefit their pets future health and longevity”. Pet owners across the nation have already lined up for the test, anxious to learn more about their mutts.
All in all, the Wisdom Panel® looks to be a fun way of taking a new look at your family pet. But, as with any medical concern, be sure to speak to your veterinarian if you have concerns about genetic disease. Many other blood tests are available to help rule out the chance of your pet having an inherited illness.
