HealthGene offers DNA-based genetic testing designed to help breeders, veterinarians, and animal owners better understand the inherited traits and health risks present in dogs and cats.
By analyzing specific genetic variants, our tests can identify animals that are genetically clear, carriers of an inherited mutation, or affected by a recognized genetic condition. This information supports responsible breeding decisions, early health planning, parentage verification, and long-term management of hereditary disease.
Many inherited conditions may be passed from one generation to the next without producing visible clinical signs in the parent animals.
A healthy-looking animal may carry a disease-associated genetic variant and transmit it to its offspring. When two carriers are bred together, there may be an increased risk of producing affected puppies or kittens.
Genetic testing provides objective information that cannot be obtained through appearance, pedigree review, or routine physical examination alone.
Testing may help breeders:
HealthGene offers a range of DNA tests for inherited disorders and genetic traits in dogs and cats.
Depending on the test selected, genetic analysis may identify:
DNA testing can detect variants associated with hereditary disorders affecting:
The HealthGene guidebook includes canine testing for conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cyclic Neutropenia, Cystinuria, Hemophilia B, Multidrug Sensitivity, Muscular Dystrophy, Narcolepsy, Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, and other breed-associated disorders.
Some inherited disorders are recessive, meaning an animal may carry one copy of a mutation without developing the disease.
Carrier identification is especially important in breeding programs because carriers may appear completely healthy while still passing the mutation to their offspring.
DNA parentage testing compares genetic markers between offspring and the proposed sire and dam.
This testing may be used to:
For the most complete evaluation, samples are generally submitted from the dam, proposed sire or sires, and offspring. Where the dam is unavailable, testing may still be performed using samples from the proposed sire and offspring. Parentage testing does not determine breed.
Genetic coat-colour testing can identify alleles associated with inherited pigmentation traits.
Testing may assist breeders in predicting possible coat colours within future litters and understanding colour variants that may not be visually expressed in the parent animal.
Available canine colour alleles listed in the HealthGene guidebook include variants associated with black, black-and-tan, wild type, fawn, brown, blue dilution, yellow, grizzle or domino, mask, dominant black, and white spotting. Testing is breed-specific.
DNA fingerprinting creates an individual genetic profile that can be used for permanent identification.
Unlike microchips or identification tags, an animal’s DNA profile does not change over time.
DNA identification may be useful for:
Depending on the inheritance pattern of the condition, results may be reported as:
The tested disease-associated mutation was not detected.
A Normal animal is not expected to develop the specific inherited condition associated with the tested variant and will not pass that variant to its offspring.
One copy of the disease-associated mutation was detected.
Carriers of recessive conditions are generally not expected to develop the disease but may transmit the mutation to approximately half of their offspring.
Carrier animals do not always need to be removed from a breeding program. When bred responsibly to a genetically clear mate, they may still contribute valuable genetic diversity without producing affected offspring.
Two copies of a recessive mutation, or a clinically significant dominant or sex-linked mutation, were detected.
The animal may be affected by the condition or may have an increased likelihood of developing related clinical signs, depending on the disease, inheritance pattern, penetrance, and test interpretation.
Genetic test results should be used as one part of a comprehensive breeding and health-management strategy.
Breeding decisions should also consider:
Removing every carrier from a breeding population may unnecessarily reduce genetic diversity. In many cases, a carrier may be responsibly bred to a genetically clear mate while offspring are tested before future breeding.
HealthGene offers DNA testing for a range of canine inherited disorders, traits, and breeding applications.
Available testing may include:
Some tests are breed-specific because the underlying mutation may differ among breeds. The appropriate test should therefore be selected according to the animal’s breed, family history, and clinical or breeding objective.
HealthGene also offers genetic testing for inherited feline conditions and breeding-related applications.
Feline testing may support:
The guidebook includes feline genetic testing as a dedicated section and lists Feline Polycystic Kidney Disease as a PCR-based genetic test used to identify the disease-associated mutation.
Genetic testing may be valuable for:
Because an animal’s inherited DNA remains stable throughout life, most genetic tests can be performed at any age.
Testing before breeding is recommended so results can be reviewed before mating decisions are made.
Early testing may also be useful when:
A blood or cheek-swab sample is collected from the animal.
Genetic material is isolated from the submitted cells.
The relevant gene or mutation is analyzed using molecular methods such as Polymerase Chain Reaction.
The animal’s genetic status is evaluated according to the inheritance pattern of the condition.
A report is issued identifying the detected genetic status and applicable interpretation.
Yes. A carrier may have one copy of a recessive mutation and show no signs of disease while still passing the mutation to its offspring.
Not necessarily. In many cases, carriers can be responsibly bred to genetically clear animals. Offspring intended for breeding should then be tested.
No. Genetic testing identifies only the specific gene or variant included in the selected assay. A clear result does not exclude other genetic or non-genetic conditions.
No. Parentage testing determines whether the tested animals are genetically compatible as parent and offspring. It does not determine breed.
Yes, cheek swabs are accepted for many genetic tests. However, proper collection and drying are important to obtain sufficient uncontaminated DNA.
Yes. Because inherited DNA is present from birth and remains stable throughout life, genetic testing can generally be performed at a young age.
Genetic testing gives breeders and veterinarians the information needed to make thoughtful, responsible decisions before inherited disease is passed to another generation.
With HealthGene DNA testing, you can identify genetic risk, verify parentage, document inherited traits, and build healthier breeding programs with greater confidence.
“In veterinary medicine, time and accuracy mean everything. HealthGene doesn’t just run tests — they deliver answers we can rely on. Their team truly feels like an extension of my practice.”
"Exceptional service and accurate results every time. The team at HealthGene provides comprehensive testing that helps us make informed decisions for our patients. Highly recommended for any veterinary practice."
"Fast turnaround times and reliable diagnostics. HealthGene has been our trusted partner for molecular testing services. Their expertise in veterinary diagnostics is unmatched in the industry"
