Reyna Mero
Jeanetter Mero DVM
Royale Reign Dobermans
Proud supporters of the DPCA click the link on the logo to discover more doberman health releated articles.
We do not condone or support the breeding of the "white"/albino Doberman as it is a genetic mutation.
Genetic Health Testing:
Every Doberman in our breeding program is health tested to the full extent.
Our dogs are genetic tested by the UC Davis genetics laboratory utilizing the "Doberman panel," which covers, the following:
Deafness with Vestibular Dysfunction (DVD), aka DINGS -
In Doberman Pinschers, a neurological disorder causing deafness and balance/coordination issues, commonly referred to as DINGS, is associated with variants in two different genes. One appears to result in deafness in one ear while the other shows deafness in both ears.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) -
Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is an inherited neurologic disorder of dogs characterized by gradual muscle wasting and loss of coordination typically beginning in the hind limbs.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy 1 and 2 in Doberman Pinschers -
Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart has a decreased ability to pump blood. Two mutations associated with dilated cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers have been identified. Testing for these mutations can identify individuals at risk for developing clinical symptoms of disease.
Narcolepsy in Doberman Pinschers
Narcolepsy is a disorder of the nervous system characterized by periods of sleepiness. This test detects a causal variant specific to Doberman Pinschers.
Oculocutaneous Albinism (OCA) in Doberman Pinschers
“White” (cream-colored) Doberman Pinschers display a color dilution of the coat, eyes, and skin caused by a large deletion in the SLC45A2 gene.
Von Willebrand Disease I (vWD Type 1)
Von Willebrand disease I (vWD Type 1), an inherited bleeding disorder, results from a lack or reduced level of a normal blood clotting protein and is characterized by spontaneous hemorrhaging and prolonged bleeding after physical trauma.
We also run dilution tests on our dogs which have the following:
Agouti (A Locus)
The Agouti Signaling Protein (ASIP) gene interacts with the MC1R gene to control red (phaeomelanin) and black (eumelanin) pigment switching in dogs, affecting amount, type, and distribution of the two pigments.
Dilute (D Locus/Blue)
Several gene variants are known to produce dilute coloration in dogs. Colors are lightened (diluted) to paler shades as a result of the variants' effects on pigmentation.
Dominant Black (K Locus)
The Dominant Black gene (K Locus) affects pigment switching between eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red or yellow) by interacting with the Agouti and MC1R genes.
Harlequin Pattern in Great Danes
Harlequin is a pattern seen in Great Danes resulting from the complex interaction of the Merle and Harlequin genes on black pigment.
Piebald/White Spotting (S Locus).
White spotting patterns that occur in many dog breeds do not have a uniform genetic basis, and the genetics are complex. In piebald/parti/random white spotting, the extent of white pattern expression varies, and markings are often asymmetrical.
Pulled from the UC Davis Genetics Laboratory website.
Other health tests / OFA Exams:
BLOODWORK/LIVER/THYROID/KIDNEY PANELS: - CBC/Chem blood tests preformed by a veterinarian checking current organ function etc. The Thyroid " Free T4" (FT4) is considered to be the “gold standard” for assessment of thyroid’s production and cellular availability of thyroxine, which helps to determine hypothyroidism a disease that causes a wide variety of symptoms. A sample of serum from the dog is sent off to an OFA approved laboratory for analysis.
HOLTER MONITOR: A Holter monitor machine (electrocardiogram-EKG) is typically done over 24 hours evaluating the rhythm and rate of the heart throughout the day and night of the dog. This is a crucial yearly, easy, and painless device that can help detect and manage Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) early on.
ECHOCARDIOGRAMS: For heart disease, echocardiograms are evaluated by a board-certified cardiologist to rule out current problems. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart and is a quick and painless procedure done yearly. This echo is typically sent off of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for an evaluation.
HIPS AND ELBOWS OFA SCANS:
Hip and elbow dysplasia is relatively uncommon in Dobermans yet it is still important for dogs to be evaluated by radiography (X-rays) before breeding to rule out the presence of hip and elbow dysplasia. These X-rays are typically sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals for evaluation.
EYE EXAMS - CERF: Within Dobermans, eye disease is relatively uncommon but it is recommended that dogs be evaluated by a board-certified vet Ophthalmologist prior to breeding. This documentation is through CERF, Canine Eye Registration Foundation not OFA.
Proud supporters of the OFA
