Breaking News! DSRA Update!

After extensive communication with Embark over the last year, they have finally added DSRA to their test panel!  If you previously tested your dog will the v7 test version, it will backfill with DSRA test results.  If you tested prior to the v7 version, unfortunately you will have to retest ordering the complete panel. Embark will be offering a discount. Below is FAQs from Embark, you can also reach out to them for any additional questions. 
 
Additionally, you can still test DSRA via blood sample through the University of Missouri, with the attached form. The University of Missouri is working on making testing available via buccal swab in the coming weeks. More information to follow as available. 
 
Dr. Raney Commet continues to work with other companies to add DSRA to their test panels so Cane Corso owners will have several options, watch for those updates coming soon. 
 
What is Dental-Skeletal-Retinal Anomaly (DSRA)? 
 
Dental-Skeletal-Retinal Anomaly (DSRA) is a type of skeletal abnormality affecting the teeth, eyes, and growth of affected dogs. This variant was first described in the Cane Corso.
 
This variant is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a dog requires two copies of the variant to show signs of DSRA. Affected dogs are smaller than their littermates, with short and angularly bent limbs. Their puppy teeth are translucent and easily break. Their adult teeth can be discolored pink or brown with defects in the enamel. As they age, their vision worsens. A complete physical examination, including an oral exam, is necessary to observe the changes in the limbs and teeth. An eye exam to visualize the retina is required to diagnose changes in their vision.
 
Will my previously-tested dog be updated with the results for DSRA?
 
Any dogs tested on v7 (7th version microarray) or later will have results for DSRA automatically backfilled on their dogs’ profile during the week of June 12. 
 
How do I know what chip version my dog was tested on? 
 
If you log in to your profile on my.embarkvet.com, click on a dog, then click on the ‘Summary’ tab. From there, scroll down to the ‘Raw Data’ button. From there, the version your dog was tested on will be listed at the bottom of the page. It will read as “Technology used for this dog: Generation # Embark microarray"
 
What if my dog was tested before v7 (7th version microarray) but I still want to access these results? 
 
Breeders are able to purchase a discounted kit to re-swab and assess if their dog is at an increased risk for developing, or has inherited, DSRA. Please contact [email protected] if interested. 
 
Why aren’t all dogs automatically updated with this result? 
 
Unfortunately, we’re unable to backfill this particular result for all dogs. This is because the markers needed to process this particular condition were not present on the microarray prior to v7. Therefore, if a dog’s DNA was assessed on a previous version of our microarray, we’re unable to backfill results for those particular dogs. 
 
Will I be notified if my previously-tested dog is at-risk for developing, or has inherited, this disease? 
 
Yes– if any previously-tested dogs are at risk for developing, or have inherited, DSRA, they will receive a personal email from one of Embark’s Veterinary Geneticists. Our Veterinary Geneticists are also available to help breeders understand the potential health impact of this result and discuss potential future impacts on breeding programs. 
 
When can I expect to see these results updated on my dog’s profile?
 
For any previously-tested dogs that are eligible for these health conditions results, breeders will see backfilled results during the week of June 12th. For any dogs that test at an increased risk for developing this condition, or have inherited this condition, breeders will receive an email communication the week of June 12th as well.