Charlie's Embark Results

[kristen_acri]

Wasn't sure where to post this...thinking reducing cancer risk might be a good place.

The results from Charlie's DNA testing arrived yesterday and today. Only one thing showed up in the health area and it's considered a clinical trait --Alanine Aminotransferase Activity result: Low Normal

Charlie has two copies of a variant in the GPT gene and is likely to have a lower than average baseline ALT activity. ALT is a commonly used measure of liver health on routine veterinary blood chemistry panels. As such, your veterinarian may want to watch for changes in Charlie's ALT activity above their current, healthy, ALT activity. As an increase above Charlie’s baseline ALT activity could be evidence of liver damage, even if it is within normal limits by standard ALT reference ranges.

Everything else that they test for in the health area was clear or showed no risk.

And the all important breed reveal:

Mixed Breed
34.3% Mountain Cur
13.6% Cocker Spaniel
10.1% Chow Chow
8.8% Collie
8.7% German Shepherd Dog
8.6% Bulldog
15.9% Supermutt

EMBARK SUPERMUTT ANALYSIS

What’s in that Supermutt? There may be small amounts of DNA from these distant ancestors:

• Pug
• Wire Fox Terrier
• Manchester Terrier (Toy)
• Norwegian Elkhound

Fun!

Kristen
EMBARK SUPERMUTT ANALYSIS

 

[Dr. Sara]

Dear Kristen,
These are fun, aren't they?
I have seen results from a number of clients, and the genetically low ALT activity is fairly common. In one elderly girl it was useful as her AST was slightly elevated and her ALT was high normal. With these results we decided that it was likely that liver support supplements would be helpful; she appeared completely well physically and behaviourally. After a month on SAM-e and milk thistle, both liver enzymes were well in the normal range.
This is an example of how knowing genetic makeup can be useful.

 

[kristen_acri]

Thank you @Dr. Sara -- they are so much fun!!! I appreciate the feedback about the ALT. Charlie's first vet appointment is this coming Thursday and I'm looking forward to learning more about him then. He is such a sweetheart!

Thanks again!

Kristen