Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs: Why DNA Testing Matters
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is one of the most widely discussed inherited neurological conditions in dogs. While not every breed is affected, for those that are, genetic testing plays a critical role in responsible breeding and long-term health planning.
At Pet Genetics Lab, DM testing remains one of the most commonly requested genetic tests — and for good reason.
Understanding your dog’s DM status can help you make informed decisions about breeding, veterinary care, and future planning.
What Is Degenerative Myelopathy?
Degenerative Myelopathy is a progressive neurological disease that affects the spinal cord.
It typically appears in adult or senior dogs, often from around 8 years of age onwards, and gradually causes weakness in the hind limbs. Over time this can lead to difficulty walking and eventual paralysis.
The condition is often compared to ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) in humans, although the diseases are not identical.
Because symptoms develop later in life, many dogs carrying the genetic mutation show no signs at all during their breeding years. This is why DNA testing is so important.
The Genetic Cause of DM
Most cases of Degenerative Myelopathy are associated with a mutation in the SOD1 gene.
Dogs inherit two copies of this gene — one from each parent.
DNA testing can identify three possible results:
Clear
The dog does not carry the DM mutation.
Carrier
The dog carries one copy of the mutation but is unlikely to develop the disease.
At Risk
The dog carries two copies of the mutation and has an increased risk of developing Degenerative Myelopathy later in life.
Why Breeders Test for DM
Because DM is inherited, breeders can use DNA testing to avoid producing affected puppies.
The key principle is simple:
Never breed two carriers together.
For example:
| Parent 1 | Parent 2 | Possible Puppies |
|---|---|---|
| Clear | Carrier | No affected puppies |
| Carrier | Carrier | Some puppies may be affected |
| Carrier | At Risk | High risk of affected puppies |
With responsible breeding choices, the disease can be managed within a breed without unnecessarily removing healthy dogs from the gene pool.
Breeds Commonly Tested for DM
The SOD1 mutation associated with DM has been identified in many breeds, including:
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German Shepherd
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Pembroke Welsh Corgi
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Boxer
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Chesapeake Bay Retriever
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Rhodesian Ridgeback
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Bernese Mountain Dog
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Standard Poodle
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Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
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Wire Fox Terrier
Because the mutation appears across multiple breeds, testing is often recommended even when there is no known family history of the condition.
Testing Is Quick and Simple
Testing for Degenerative Myelopathy requires only a simple cheek swab sample.
The process is straightforward:
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Order a test online
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Collect a cheek swab from your dog
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Send the sample to our laboratory
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Receive your results online
Results clearly show whether your dog is Clear, Carrier, or At Risk.
Knowledge Helps You Make Better Decisions
Whether you are a breeder planning future litters or an owner wanting to understand your dog’s genetics, DM testing provides valuable information.
For breeders, it allows responsible mating decisions.
For owners, it helps you understand potential health risks later in life.
Genetic knowledge gives you the ability to plan ahead.
Test Your Dog for Degenerative Myelopathy
Pet Genetics Lab offers reliable DNA testing for Degenerative Myelopathy using a simple cheek swab kit.
✔ Accurate laboratory testing
✔ Clear, easy-to-understand results
✔ Suitable for breeders and owners
If you’d like to know your dog’s DM status, you can order a test today.