To the clients of Labgenvet…
It is with deep sadness and regret that I must inform you that Labgenvet (the Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics) is obliged to close its diagnostic service function for DNA testing of genetic diseases in domestic animals. This is effective as of June 1, 2021. I apologize for the inconvenience that this decision may cause you. On a more positive note, the educational function of Labgenvet will be maintained.
To the canine veterinarian clients of Labgenvet, I thank you for your patronage. Keep using the Dog Genetic Disease Search Function on the Labgenvet web site, it was designed for you. Please keep sending your clinical samples for degenerative myelopathy in the German Shepherd and the Boxer for DNA analysis; your samples for multi-drug resistance in the Collie breeds for DNA analysis; your samples for exercise induced collapse in Labradors for DNA analysis. I recommend the Veterinary Genetics Lab (VGL) at UCDavis and Pawprint Genetics as reputable American labs.
To the feline veterinarians who have used the services of Labgenvet, many thanks. Keep using the Cat Genetic Disease Search Function on the Labgenvet web site, it was designed as a tool for you. For your cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in the Maine Coon and Ragdoll, for DNA blood type analysis, for pyruvate kinase deficiency in many breeds, please keep sending your samples for DNA analysis. I recommend the Veterinary Genetics Lab (VGL) at UCDavis.
To the dog and cat breeders that have used Labgenvet, it has been a pleasure working with you. Use the Inbreeding Calculator on the Labgenvet website to help you make educated breeding decisions, it was designed for you. Use the Genetic Disease Search Functions on the Labgenvet site as a source of information for the genetic diseases that touch your breed. Use the educational modules to gain further information about genetics in general, the genetics of pigmentation, the genetics of simple diseases, and the genetics of inbreeding.
To both breeders and veterinarians, please keep the genetic improvement of our domestic animals in mind and a priority.
Sincerely,
David W. Silversides, DVM
David.w.silversides@umontreal.ca
