Genetic Testing

Health Screening Tests

Indian Street Animal Clinic offers a variety of pet diagnostics and screenings for certain conditions and diseases, as well as for breeding purposes.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

This is a canine version of hemophilia, and it’s important you know if your dog has this condition before an emergency arises. Since it is genetic, many owners aren’t aware their pet has the disease until a minor injury occurs or their pet has surgery and there’s significant blood loss. Certain breeds are more prone to this condition than others, including:

• German shepherds
• German shorthair/wirehair pointers
• Chesapeake Bay retrievers
• Golden retrievers
• Pembroke Welsh corgis
• Poodles
• Scottish/Manchester terriers
• Shetland sheepdogs

If you have one of these at-risk breeds, we highly recommend you have your dog tested.

MDR-1 Mutation (Multi-Drug Resistance 1)

The MDR-1 mutation affects the ABCB1 gene, which plays a key role in protecting the brain from certain medications. Dogs with this mutation can’t process some drugs normally, allowing them to reach toxic levels—even at standard doses. Common examples include ivermectin, loperamide, certain sedatives, chemotherapy drugs, and more.

This mutation is more common in herding breeds such as Collies, Australian Shepherds, and Shetland Sheepdogs, but it can occur in other breeds as well. A quick genetic screening can identify whether your dog carries one or two copies of the MDR-1 mutation. With this information, our veterinary team can choose safe alternatives or adjust doses to protect your pet’s health.

Renal Dysplasia

This genetic disease prevents the kidneys from developing normally, and dogs usually become ill before they’re a year old. Breeds most affected by this condition are shih tzus, Lhasa apsos, and soft-coated wheaten terriers. Sadly, this disease has no cure, and some dogs who don’t develop the condition are still carriers and can pass it to their puppies. Before breeding, we highly recommend testing high-risk dogs for renal dysplasia.

Diabetes & Thyroid Disease

Both diabetes and thyroid disease are endocrine disorders that become more common in our pets as they age and can lead to other health complications if left untreated. Indian Street Animal Clinic is ready to not only diagnose these conditions but also help with their treatment and ongoing management. Regular veterinary check-ups, blood tests, and appropriate medications are crucial for managing these conditions and ensuring your pet’s overall health and well-being.

If you have any questions about the pet diagnostics and testing we offer, contact us at 772-781-9990 today.