ROVER EATER
DNA test for greed
DOG owners can now give their pet a DNA test to see if they have an overeater in the house.
The genetic test is one of 30 offered by the Animal Health Trust charity.
Most of the tests are designed to highlight whether an animal has a congenital disease, such as the eye condition glaucoma.
But the “greedy test” looks for a gene mutation that results in dogs becoming obsessed with food.
Dr Cathryn Mellersh, head of canine genetics at the charity, said: “The mutation has been shown to make a dog more greedy and more likely to become obese. Think labradors and flat-coated retrievers.
“We’re aiming that test at the dog owner and puppy buyer. If you know your puppy has two copies of that mutation, on average they are about 4kg heavier than dogs without it.
“You can be aware they are likely to be extra greedy, so you can keep an eye on their treats and make sure they get lots of extra exercise.”
The Animal Health Trust offers tests OUR vet Brian Faulkner, from Petplan, has 16 years of experience and is a freelance working all over the country. Send your questions to Brian at: Petplan, Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX or via Petplan’s Facebook page facebook.com/ PetplanUK. to dog breeders so they can weed out congenital problems.
Vets also use the service to find out what is wrong with animals, while for about £55 owners of mongrels and rescue centre dogs can buy a DNA test to identify their breed.
Cathryn says: “I have a crossbreed and the test told me one parent was probably a German shepherd and the other was a greyhound which had been crossed with a saluki.”
The DNA tests involve taking a swab of saliva from inside a pet’s mouth. Other animals, such as cats, can also be tested.
Shar pei breeder Heather Morris had her dogs DNA tested to discover if they had an eye condition that blights the breed and causes blindness.
She said: “We tested all our dogs so any affected could be treated. Luckily they were clear. As this is a painful disease we believe all dogs should be tested before breeding. It’s easy, once the charity receives the swab you wait around two weeks for the results.”
Visit aht.org.uk for more details. MY cat scratches himself continually, although I use regular flea medication. He also has nodules among his fur that I comb out from his coat.
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