The doggy genetic test - 100% golden, .06% wolfiness and 0% at risk for heart disease

Barley in her most wolfiness hour circa July 2016 (first camping trip)

Before the publication of the FDA report, dilated cardiomyopathy was believed to be caused by a genetics. It is understood that the identification of a splice site deletion of the PDK4 gene is associated with the development of DCM (Meurs, et a., 2012).  This abnormality is commonly seen in Doberman Pinchers, Saint Bernards and Caviler King Charles.

Now, we are starting to see breeds who are not genetically predisposed being diagnosed with DCM.  Their connection? A diet heavy in peas, lentils and potatoes - seen in many grain-free diets.  As a reminder, it is not the lack of grains causing heart disease, but what is being used as a grain-substitute. 

When Barley was diagnosed with DCM, the veterinarian mentioned that it could take a month to get the taurine results back from the lab (it took ~ 2-3 weeks).  The taurine labs have been overloaded with requests.  Taurine is typically the first test they run for golden retrievers to see if there is a deficiency that may be related to DCM.   Barley's taurine results returned as in-range for normal conditions.  Her whole blood taurine was 350 (typical whole blood taurine range is 200-350) and plasma was 240 (typical plasma range is 60-120). 

The connection between taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) isn't fully understood.  There is a correlation between taurine deficiency and DCM, but there are also cases that report in-range taurine levels and DCM (in non-predisposed dogs on grain-free diets).  In other words, your dog may have normal taurine levels and still be diagnosed with DCM, even if they are not genetically predisposed to the condition.   Even the FDA report mentions that four other cases of DCM in atypical dog breeds, a Miniature Schnauzer, Shih Tzu and two Labrador Retreiver, had normal blood taurine levels.

My husband and I decided that based on the information at hand - we needed to get Barley genetically tested.  Thanks to Embark Vet - we were able to!  This is not a promotion. I swear. We are huge advocates of genetic testing (humans and the like) and figured - why not?  Apparently this is also one of Oprah's favorite things for the holidays 2018, who knew we were cutting edge?

We received Barley's genetic results yesterday. As you can see above, Barley also tested negative for the PDK4 gene and 100% clear for not only all the heart conditions but other conditions that she may be predisposed to as a golden.  

Barley tested at 100% golden retriever (no duh) and .06% wolfiness (she really only goes feral when we go camping), none of this is surprising. The genetic results, plus a very positive vet visit leave us hopeful that her condition is reversible and that she can keep loving life to its fullest without a physically oversized heart.