If any breeders on here want to start testing your dogs for this crippling spinal disease, the test is now available. Specially treated testing strips which preserve and stabalize the DNA can be obtained so the DNA is preserved during transit to the laboratory in the USA. You can get all the info on how to get the test done from Liz Hansen, animal molecular genetics laboratory, university of missouri, email address hansen@missouri.edu    hope this info is helpful.

I lost my GSP two years ago to this awful disease so anything that can be done to eradicate it must be done.  After he was pts our vet sent tissue samples to Missouri so they could do tests and store the information in their databank to help in the future, so i guess he did something for generations to come.  Anyone who can help, i urge them to do it.

Something I would expect the GSD clubs to embrace wholeheartedly. They do seem to have a real problem with it, or did anyway when I was into GSD's some 20 years ago. It's great that there is now a way to help erradicate this awfull affliction.
Aileen

Fantastic news - is it like the other tests, do you get 'affected, carrier, or clear' result???

My dog had this test done last year, he was given a carrier rating but I was told he would not develop the condition himself!

I'm happy to say that Silken folk are always keen to test their dogs. When the dna test for DM became available the International Silken Windhound Society jumped on board (despite no silken ever having shown signs of DM) and tested the oldest surviving silkens, some breeders tested 20+ dogs, thankfully all came back clear so it's safe to say Silken Windhounds do not carry this. I do think they have exactly the right attitude though, with every single breeding animal dna tested for CEA, MDR1 etc, coupled with a dna test to verify parentage before you can breed :-)

Merlot, yes you would think so wouldn't you. It isn't the case though.

Everyone I have chosen or am choosing to breed from have been DM tested and luckily have all tested clear.  Its a horrible disease and I'm really pleased there is a test.  God knows why more breeders don't use these tests when they become available.