Which disorders or problems can be determined in German Shepherds by genetic testing? How reliable and/or effective is this? Anyone with any experience?
Thanks.

Hip dysplasia-combo of genetics and environment-cert. age between 1 and 2 years
Elbows-same deal as above
Thyroid-same deal-test usually accurate when done later in life (3yrs old vs. 1 or 2) and then done yearly.
EPI-autosomal recessive-test is accurate, not sure when most dogs start to have problems
Pannus-immune system related-CERF covers this and others
Bleeding disorders-mostly sex linked-can be tested relatively early
Generally messed up immune system-combo of genes and environment-this requires common sense. If the dog has a lot of little things related to the immune system then you have a much bigger problem on your hands. Immune function testing can be done, but is not common and doesn't test for likelyhood of developing autoimune diseases which are very common in the breed (EPI, pannus, etc.) or inappropriate immune response (allergies, frequent infections, etc.)

These are just a few, there are many more diseases that are common in the GSD, some of them can be ruled out with testing and some can't.

Good post Lauren (long time no e-mail).

Waiting for an update from the AKC on a genetic marker for EPI - which will be great.

"Pancreatic Insufficiency

Completed Grant No. 1633: Identification of a Genetic Marker for Pancreatic Acinar Atrophy Causing Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in the German Shepherd Dog

David A. Williams, PhD; Texas A&M University

Sponsor: German Shepherd Dog Club of America

Abstract: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a disease marked by chronic diarrhea and weight loss, is most commonly seen in German Shepherd Dogs. This condition is almost exclusively caused by atrophy of pancreatic cells that secrete digestive enzymes. This disease process is termed pancreatic acinar atrophy (PAA). Previous research has indicated that PAA is inherited in the German Shepherd Dog population of Finland. While the development of a serum assay for the major pancreatic digestive enzyme, canine trypsin-like immunoreactivity (cTLI), has led to a more accurate diagnosis of this condition, serum cTLI concentrations in affected dogs are normal prior to the development of PAA. Therefore, it has not been possible to take measures to decrease the incidence of this disorder. This project was designed to establish a pedigree of German Shepherd Dogs with EPI caused by PAA, confirm the inheritance of PAA, identify a marker for PAA in the genetic code, and develop an assay for this genetic marker. Results from this research will allow the screening of German Shepherd Dogs intended for breeding for carrier status for this disease and may lead to the eradication of this disease in the German Shepherd Dog breed. "