Is genetic testing for pets also available for cats, not just dogs?

You can do genetic tests in cats to see if they posses genetic markers for developing hereditary cardiac diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. You can speak to your vet about having a genetic test done for inherited heart disease. You can also have x-rays done to check the size of their heart, and ECGs to examine the heart's rhythm to check for abnormalities. Finally, an echocardiogram can be done with an ultrasound to see how blood flows through the heart and if there are any valve or blood flow abnormalities.

The commercially available DNA tests I am familiar with are Wisdom Panel by Mars, DNA My Dog based out of Toronto, Paw Print Genetics out of Spokane and Embark out of Austin, Tx. Wisdom Panel® Canine DNA Tests determine the breed ancestry of a dog by determining the genotype of the dog, at hundreds of individual sites in its DNA. The results are then compared with the genotypes of the more than 12,000 breed samples in their database. Similarly, DNA My Dog tests for 85 of the most common breeds that make up approximately 97% of the common North American mixed breed population. Paw Print Genetics is designed to assist breeders and has the advantage of testing for several genetic diseases. The breed-specific panels offer a comprehensive service at a discounted rate, and you can choose genetic diseases you would like to test for. Embark tests for over 150 breeds including wolf, coyote, and village dog ancestry (feral dogs) - accounting for 98% of dogs in America. Additionally, Embark screens for over 160 canine genetic diseases including MDR1, degenerative myelopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, PRA blindness, exercise-induced collapse. It is certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), partnered with Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. All tests require taking two samples of cells from the dog’s inner cheek on swabs, which are then air-dried, sealed, and mailed off to the lab. The turn around time varies from 2-8 weeks. As far as the cost, DNA My Dog is the most economical at about $60, followed by Wisdom and Paw Print at about $80 and Embark at $200.

The best option is to have a Dna breed test done, there are many companies that you can find online that are offering this test. They will send you a kit which you will need to complete and send back to them, it's very simple.

That may be difficult. There is some breed detection being offered by a company called Wisdom Panel. I recommend to look into this. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Cryptorchidism is an autosomal recessive trait. Yes, it can be passed on from both the males and the females. There is not genetic test that I am aware of to check for this. Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to post again if you have more! Best wishes!

I like the Wisdom Panel DNA test. It is a kit you can get a home and do yourself. https://www.wisdompanel.com/ They will give you an idea of breed(s) and after that you will have to do your own research on medical issues that are common in those breeds.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Unfortunately there is no test to check for "cancer genes" in dogs. I'm very sorry to hear that Ollie's sibling recently passed from cancer. While some cancers can be genetic in origin, Ollie is not necessarily at increased risk of developing the same cancer that his brother did. That being said, it is always recommended that dogs have at least annual exams performed by your veterinarian, and as they get older, have bloodwork performed to check for any underlying organ issues. There is no blood test for cancer, but it can help us determine if certain organs are not functioning as they should. It will be important for you to monitor for any unusual clinical signs that may suggest Ollie is becoming sick - such as lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, etc. As long as he is continuing to act normally at home, I would not be concerned!