What are genetic mutations?

There are different kinds of mutations known as insertions, deletions, or substitutions. Insertions are an addition of one or more letters into the genetic code, deletions are the removal of one or more letters from the genetic code, and substitutions are the same number of letters but one or more of the letters is incorrect.

Mutations are either dominant or recessive. A dominant mutation needs to be present on only one DNA strand to have an effect. A recessive mutation needs to be present on both DNA strands, so a copy needs to have been inherited from both mum and dad. 

Mutations can also have something known as incomplete penetrance. This means that there is a variable likelihood of developing the disorder even if the mutation is present. One animal may have the mutations for a disorder but never develop any symptoms, whilst another animal may be severely affected. 

Mutations are also variable between breeds, so one breed could be badly affected whilst another breed shows no health problems. This is why we offer breed specific ForesightVet® panels rather than testing every breed for every mutations to ensure the most relevant tests are offered for each breed.