{"id":23436,"date":"2021-06-22T15:40:37","date_gmt":"2021-06-22T15:40:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/?p=23436"},"modified":"2022-03-30T20:00:25","modified_gmt":"2022-03-30T20:00:25","slug":"at-home-dna-tests","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/diagnostics\/at-home-dna-tests\/","title":{"rendered":"At-Home DNA Tests: Crystal Ball With a Caveat"},"content":{"rendered":"

Veterinary medicine has historically been largely reactionary, says Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT. But the tide might be turning.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow we\u2019re in an era where we have a physiological crystal ball,\u201d he says. \u201cWhen you know you or your pet has a greater risk of developing, say, diabetes, you may be able to avoid being diagnosed with the disease with diet and exercise. Genetic tests are one more way to get a glimpse of the future.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Pros and Cons<\/h3>\n

The change has come about with the popularity of direct-to-consumer DNA tests for pets, which use a simple cheek swab collected by the animal owner. Not surprisingly, these tests follow in the steps of such tests for humans.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Leslie A. Lyons, PhD, makes a point to note that despite the benefits of the tests, there are potential pitfalls.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust like for any species\u2014humans or cats or dogs\u2014one of the main fears is that people will read the results and not interpret them properly,\u201d says Dr. Lyons, the Gilbreath-McLorn Endowed Professor of Comparative Medicine at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. \u201cThe company might not provide sufficient genetic counseling for their genetic tests. This can be common for human medicine as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The biggest potential hurdle for clients is understanding that their pet\u2019s genetic predisposition for <\/span>a disease does not equate to the diagnosis of that disease.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not true at all,\u201d says Dr. Ward, who is an adviser for Basepaws, a manufacturer of cat DNA tests. \u201cWe are entering an era where we\u2019re trying to prevent poor outcomes. Genetic tests are one more way to get a glimpse of the future.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

There are other widely held misconceptions, Dr. Ward says.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne is that your genes are your destiny. After 40 to 50 years of research, we\u2019ve discovered that genes are about 30% of total health. Sometimes we can\u2019t change outcomes, but other times we can. We are more in control of health and outcomes today than we know.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is power is knowing the path genes carve out for you,\u201d he says. \u201cHistorically, we have looked at parents\u2019, grandparents\u2019, great-grandparents\u2019 health. In my family, the males died too early from heart disease. In my 20s, I started thinking about how I could avoid that, and decided to become vegan. Knowing a pet has a greater risk to develop heart disease, we can see where the genetic risks lie and take action. The most impactful actions are diet, exercise, and maintaining lean body mass. These genetic tests nudge pet parents toward healthier habits.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Lyons says the veterinarian has a difficult role in direct-to-consumer DNA testing.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHistorically, genetics hasn\u2019t been emphasized in veterinary training,\u201d she says. \u201cIt takes a dedicated effort to understand the meaning of each genetic test and what it means for someone\u2019s cat or dog. Right now, the veterinarian would have to try to explain the tests as well as the services.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In human medicine, she notes, the genetic counselor takes on that role, or perhaps a patient is sent to a specialist. \u201cThe veterinarian has to wear many hats,\u201d she says. Despite this challenge, Dr. Lyons sees a legitimate place in veterinary medicine for the tests.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey are good if a breeder wants to know if an animal carries or is at risk for a specific genetic condition,\u201d she says. \u201cIn that case, the breeder can change plans for the animal. If a cat is at risk for polycystic kidney disease, the veterinarian will probably want to monitor the cat for the rest of its life for developing cysts or renal failure and perform ultrasounds every few years. The whole goal of genetic testing is to prevent the animal from harm, changing breeding so as not to produce at-risk animals.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The Veterinarian\u2019s Role<\/h3>\n

Veterinarians tend to be a generally conservative group, says Aaron Massecar, PhD, vice president of VEGucation for the Veterinary Emergency Group.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey typically are not early adopters,\u201d Dr. Massecar says. \u201cSome are, but as a whole they are hesitant. They want more time to see proof of the scientific validity of tests and services. These veterinarians can frame DNA tests as another way for an owner to understand their animal and increase the human-animal bond.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA DNA test is an opportunity for the veterinarian to say \u2018let\u2019s get you more information on your animal and maybe what we should be looking for.\u2019 If tests show a predisposition for hip dysplasia, maybe we can use [a therapeutic diet] for the pet\u2019s food.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

What should veterinarians look for in the realm of pet DNA tests?\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey should be aware of what companies are out there, what tests they perform\u2014some do breed identification\/ancestry, some phenotypes, others full health information\u2014and start to build a rapport,\u201d Dr.\u00a0Lyons says. \u201cThere aren\u2019t dozens of companies yet, only a handful. Know the differences between how they do tests. It\u2019s primarily customer service. If you call the company and say \u2018I need help interpreting tests,\u2019 if they <\/span>don\u2019t fall head over heels to help you, go someplace else.\u201d<\/p>\n

She recommends using a testing laboratory that is associated with a research university. \u201cIt will be more interested in making sure tests are correct and providing good customer service than a company removed from a university. Universities are the ones developing the tests,\u201d Dr. Lyons says.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Massecar also recommends that veterinarians develop a good understanding of the tests available in order to guide clients. <\/span>BOX 1<\/span><\/strong> lists some of the products available for consumers.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

BOX 1 Direct-to-Consumer DNA Tests<\/div>
New DNA tests are always emerging on the market, says Aaron Massecar, PhD, vice president of VEGucation for the Veterinary Emergency Group. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re seeing more diversification of the market, depending on what people are looking for,\u201d he says. \u201cSome pet owners might not have a medical reason to test but just want to know what kind of dog they have. But if we want to explore further medical issues, we can.\u201d While testing for cats lags behind that for dogs, the market is growing. Here is a selection of some direct-to-consumer products available: <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Basepaws <\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n