Small Animal Services: Genetics

Mon.-Fri. | 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

919.513.3314
for questions about our Holter monitor service

919.515.3277
for questions about genetic testing

DNA Testing

NC State Veterinary Hospital offers DNA testing for a variety of canine and feline breed specific genetic mutations resulting in disorders.

Special OfferDiscounted Pricing

We are now offering discounted pricing for litters of two or more! Visit the specific testing page below for more information.

Consultations

If you would to make an appointment for genetics consultation about your pet or breed issues, or your client’s genetics concerns, please email: kate_meurs@ncsu.edu.

Cardiac Health Testing

Boxer Cardiomyopathy

Boxer Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is an adult onset heart muscle disease that can lead to sudden death or the development of congestive heart failure where the dog starts to cough or becomes short of breath…

Rhodesian Ridgeback Inherited Arrhythmia

Rhodesian Ridgeback Inherited Arrhythmia (RR IVA) is an inherited disease that results in an abnormality of the cardiac electrical system leading to the development of abnormal heart beats – ventricular premature beats…

Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Subvalvular aortic stenosis, also referred to as SAS, is a common heart defect in dogs, especially Newfoundlands. Dogs with severe disease may develop fainting, rear limb weakness, or fluid in the lungs (heart failure)…

Doberman Pinscher Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an adult onset heart muscle disease that can lead to sudden death or the development of congestive heart failure where the dog starts to cough or becomes short of breath…

Maine Coon:Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Maine Coon cats may have a genetic mutation in the MyBPC gene that may result in the development of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common form of heart disease in cats. A DNA test is available for Maine Coon HCM…

Ragdoll:Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Ragdoll cats may also have a genetic mutation in the MyBPC gene that can lead to a form of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common form of heart disease in felines. A DNA test is available for Ragdoll HCM…

Sphynx Hypertrrophic Cardiomyopathy

Sphynx cats have a genetic mutation that can lead to a form of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common form of heart disease in cats. A DNA test is available for Sphynx HCM…

Cardiac Pharmacogenetic Testing

Canine ACE Gene Polymorphism

Renin-angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS), which is the neurohormonal cascade initiated by the release of renin and ending in the stimulation of aldosterone release from the adrenal glands, is activated in dogs with advanced heart disease, and contributes to disease progression and clinical signs.

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Gordon Setter: Cerebellar degeneration

Cerebellar degeneration has been documented in the Gordon Setter as an autosomal recessive inherited disorder since at least the 1960s. It causes a progressive loss of coordination resulting in the hallmark ataxic gait characterized by dramatic overstepping, particularly obvious in the forelimbs. Onset of signs ranges from 6 months to 4 years of age and disease progression tends to be slow, occurring over several years.

Old English Sheepdogs: Cerebellar degeneration

Owners and breeders of Old English Sheepdogs have a new test immediately available to genotype dogs for the disease of cerebellar degeneration, also referred to as cerebellar ataxia & cerebellar abiotrophy.

Boykin Spaniel: SLC12A6 Mutation

A genetic mutation in the gene SLC12A6 associated with motor and sensory neuropathy in Boykin Spaniels has been identified through a partnership between the Olby and Meurs labs at NCSU. The mutation is inherited in a recessive manner and careful breeding practices can be used to remove the prevalence of this disease from the Boykin Spaniel population.

Other Genetic Testing

Norwich Terrier:Cystic Renal Dysplasia

Cystic Renal Dysplasia and Hepatic Fibrosis is a disease that can be fatal in Norwich Terrier puppies. A causative mutation was identified in a family of Norwich Terriers in the Anttila lab in Finland.

JAK2 Polycythemia Vera

A mutation have been identified at V617F in the JAK2 gene in dogs with primary polycythemia vera.A mutation have been identified at V617F in the JAK2 gene in dogs with primary polycythemia vera.

Rottweiler: LOXHD1 Deafness

A genetic mutation associated with nonsyndromic deafness and hearing loss in Rottweilers has been identified by the Lohi Lab at the University of Helsinki. This mutation is in the gene LOXHD1, which has also been implicated in human hearing disorders. The mutation is thought to be inherited as a recessive trait and careful breeding practices can be used to remove the prevalence of this disease.

Cardiac Health Screening Packages

Boxer Cardiac Health Screening

Learn about cardiac health screening for this specific breed.

Doberman Pinscher Cardiac Health Screening

Learn about cardiac health screening for this specific breed.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Inherited Ventricular Arrhythmia Screening

Learn about cardiac health screening for this specific breed.