Why Canine Genetic Counseling?

Genetic Counseling is a well established field in human medicine. Genetic Counselors are Genetic Professionals specifically trained to gather and analyze family medical history and inheritance patterns to identify those at risk for genetic conditions. Based on an individuals' personal, medical and family history, Genetic Counselors will coordinate genetic testing and then explain the results and how to apply those results to manage genetic disease. 

While you can access all types of genetic testing for dogs, there is very little access to expertise in the application of this information to reach your goals, just many strong and often emphatically stated opinions. Those who shout the loudest often know the least. It is a proven principle called the Dunning-Kruger effect that people will listen to those who speak first and loudest. This is something that the health of our dogs can no longer afford.

Genetic Counseling is informed expertise based on the sound application of well established and understood Genetic principles and genetic test results. The goal of Genetic Counseling is not to tell you what to do. 

The goal of Genetic Counselor is:

• provide you with an accurate analysis and explanation of the genetic information
• give you a format to help you clearly understand genetic information
• help you process the implications of genetic information for the health of current, past and future generations
• discuss the potential options forward with the potential outcomes/ ramifications of those various options. 
• Provide you the understanding and tools to make a plan forward consistent with your goals and what you value.

Put simply, Genetic Counseling is to give you informed choices to benefit you, your animals and the next generation.

Genes and Genetic principles are the same across species Dogs were the first domesticated species and have evolved by our side for millennia. We suffer from many of the same diseases. There are many examples of dogs being a model for gene discovery and treatment of human disease. In fact the first Gene Therapy EVER developed is based on the natural occurring animal model for the RPE65 gene in my breed, Briards!. Called Leber Congenital Optic Neuropathy in Humans and Congenital Stationary Night Blindness in Briards--an early onset form of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Studies done on Briards resulted in the first successful gene therapy in animals and the first to be clinically offered to humans. Restoring vision to those who were once blind. 

As an experienced Genetic Counselor, Diagnostic Genetic Testing Specialist and Breeder --I am uniquely equipped to assist you in a better understanding of managing genetic disease. Realize that in human medicine --we work as a multidisciplinary team. Most veterinarians like most human physicians have relatively little training in managing genetic disease. In dogs, people have long thought that the "right thing to do" regarding managing disease in dogs was intuitive --eliminate all affected dogs and there relatives from breeding. This reflects a fundamental lack of understanding of the inevitability of genetic disease. Genetics is just not that straight forward or simple. 

You would not ask an Orthopedic surgeon to examine your dog's eyes. Why would expect that someone with no specific training in Genetics or experience in breeding would be the best resource regarding the management of genetic disease. We have to "vet" our genetic experts and reject those who's expertise is not what the claim it to be. Story here!!!

Many in the dog world will proport the use of population genetics and animal husbandry techniques for dog breed management. Rule number 1 of population genetics--you do not breed populations--you breed individuals. Population genetics is great for looking up data in a book but of limited value in specific breed choices or disease management in breeding. Based on population genetic I know 1 in every 25 Caucasians carry a gene for cystic fibrosis and 1in every 10 African Americans has a gene for Sickle Cell Anemia but the patient in front of me either has the gene and might pass it on to their children or they don't. 

In livestock we do not care generally care about the long term health of a specific animal and the longevity of that animal. You are select animals based on what they produce. Would there be reason to notice or be concerned about an incontinent cow, a blind cow or a cow intolerant to exercise? Estimated breeding values require a great deal of data and advanced computation. Not practically accessible to the everyday dog breeder. 

In human medicine we observe and analyze what happens in individuals and families much like we do in dogs, I can easily say and breeders can observe--- "what does or did the dog PRODUCE". When there is a recessive condition in the breed---in the absence of a genetic test, you know the dog is at risk for the gene based on its line, breed or pedigree. When the dog produces an affected puppy--that is when you KNOW they have the gene.

Doctors diagnose disease. Genetic Counselors construct the medical genetic pedigree, coordinate the genetic testing, and explain the results and their implication. This has been a missing piece in the dog world and I am excited to bring this expertise to you for your and for my love of dogs.

With a focus on personalized care, my services are designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions for your canine companions. Whether you're seeking Genetic Counseling, Education, research facilitation, or DNA collection coordination: DogGenes is here to provide comprehensive education and professional Genetic services.

Committed to Canine Health and Wellbeing, my goal is to equip you with sound genetic principles and the most accurate and up to date information available for you to reach the goals of the best health and well being for your dogs.

Canine Genetic Counseling, Education, and Professional Services, I strive to ensure that you receive the best information for the highest quality care for your dogs. I look forward to learning your experiences and to helping you achieve your goals for your dogs. your breed towards a healthier future for all.