Dermatomyositis (DMS)
Dermatomyositis (DMS), presents much the same as demodex, with skin lesions starting on the face any time after the age of 7 weeks. However, it is distinct from demodex as lesions can be found on all parts of the body and it attacks the muscles as well.
A “predictive” (not a “diagnostic”) test for DMS has been developed. This test will not definitively indicate whether or not a dog will get the disease as DMS has both a genetic as well as an environmental component. Collies whose risk factor is determined to be high may never develop the disease as the genetic risk does not take into account environmental factors.
That said, we DNA test all of the collies we wish to use in our breeding program and use these results to deselect collies we feel are at higher risk for passing on this disease. We breed to ensure that our puppies test DMS "low".
For further information, check out these links:
A “predictive” (not a “diagnostic”) test for DMS has been developed. This test will not definitively indicate whether or not a dog will get the disease as DMS has both a genetic as well as an environmental component. Collies whose risk factor is determined to be high may never develop the disease as the genetic risk does not take into account environmental factors.
That said, we DNA test all of the collies we wish to use in our breeding program and use these results to deselect collies we feel are at higher risk for passing on this disease. We breed to ensure that our puppies test DMS "low".
For further information, check out these links:
- Clemson University: http://www.clemsoncaninegenetics.com/WEBPROTECT-dmsriskassessment.htm
- DM Familial Canine Dermatomyositis: a Breeder’s Nightmare: http://www.colliehealth.org/Dermatomyositis1.pdf
- The Cutaneous Histology of Dermatomyositis in Collie Dogs: http://vet.sagepub.com/content/24/1/11.full.pdf
- Familial Canine Dermatomyositis Initial Characterization of the Cutaneous and Muscular Lesions: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1900537/
- PET MD: Inflammation of the Skin, Muscle, and Blood Vessels in Dogs: http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_dg_dermatomyositis