New Test Launched: Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome in the Border Collie

5 June 2014

Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome in the Border Collie - Also known as Cobalamin Malabsorption  or Vitamin B12 Deficiency.

Animal DNA Diagnostics Ltd, who work with the Society extracting DNA for CEA and Parent Profiling Tests, now offers the test for Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome in the Border Collie. The test is available to order from their website  - just click on "I require a DNA test for a dog" and the website will lead you through the ordering process. The test costs £40 + VAT, and is performed using mouth swabs which they will post out to you. For more detailed information about ordering please see here.

Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome: Affected pups typically fail to thrive and have anaemia, poor appetite, poor growth, weakness and intermittent diarrhoea. The non-specific nature of these signs probably means that the condition often goes undiagnosed. The basis for the condition is an inherent inability to absorb vitamin B12 in the digestive tract; these clinical signs can be ameliorated by regular injections of vitamin B12.

Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome is caused by a recessive genetic mutation. This means that dogs which carry the mutation (“CARRIERS”) are normal but will pass the mutation on to an average of 50% of their offspring. Puppies which inherit two copies of the mutation will have Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome (“AFFECTED”).

This test is particularly useful for breeders:

• To identify carriers among their breeding stock so that they can avoid CARRIER X CARRIER mating combinations which would risk AFFECTED puppies.
• To conclusively confirm Imerslund-Gräsbeck Syndrome in an affected dog

Animal Diagnostics Ltd

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