Tempest has one copy of a variant associated with reduced ALT activity as measured on veterinary blood chemistry panels. Please inform your veterinarian that Tempest has this genotype, as ALT is often used as an indicator of liver health and Tempest is likely to have a lower than average resting ALT activity. As such, an increase in Tempest’s ALT activity could be evidence of liver damage, even if it is within normal limits by standard ALT reference ranges.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a clinical tool that can be used by veterinarians to better monitor liver health. This result is not associated with liver disease. ALT is one of several values veterinarians measure on routine blood work to evaluate the liver. It is a naturally occurring enzyme located in liver cells that helps break down protein. When the liver is damaged or inflamed, ALT is released into the bloodstream.

Genetic testing is the only way to provide your veterinarian with this clinical tool.

Veterinarians may recommend blood work to establish a baseline ALT value for healthy dogs with one or two copies of this variant.

Tempest has one copy of a variant in the PDK4 gene associated with increased risk for DCM in the American Doberman Pinscher. This variant, also referred to as DCM1, is inherited in a dominant manner, meaning having one or two copies of this variant is thought to confer the same amount of risk. However, the variant is thought to have incomplete penetrance: That is, not all dogs with this variant will ultimately show signs of DCM. Moreover, the impact of this variant in other breeds of dog besides the Doberman has yet to be fully understood. However, if your veterinarian thinks Tempest shows signs of having DCM based on their diagnostic testing, you now have the opportunity to discuss early treatment. Please consult with your veterinarian regarding a diagnostic and treatment plan for Tempest.

DCM is the most common acquired heart disease of adult dogs. The heart has two heavily muscled ventricles that pump blood away from the heart. This disease causes progressive weakening of the ventricles by reducing the muscle mass, which causes the ventricles to dilate. Dilated ventricles do not contract and circulate oxygenated blood well, which eventually leads to heart failure.

This disease can rarely be seen in puppies and young adults. It is typically seen in middle aged to older dogs.

In the early stages of DCM, you will likely not notice any changes in your dog. DCM typically presents at the end stages of the disease, when the heart is failing. Signs include weakness, cold toes and ears, blue-grey gums and tongue, and respiratory distress. If you see these signs, take your dog immediately to an emergency veterinarian!

The earlier a diagnosis can be reached, the better the outcome. If you are concerned about your dog’s heart, discuss it with your veterinarian who can run basic preliminary tests. They may recommend a visit to a veterinary cardiologist for a complete evaluation, including an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram).

Treatment is completely dependent on how advanced the disease is at the time of diagnosis. It can range from monitoring the patient periodically to intensive hospitalization at specialty veterinary practices.

Tempest has one copy of a variant in the TTN gene associated with increased risk for DCM in the American Doberman Pinscher. This variant, also referred to as DCM2, is inherited in a dominant manner, meaning having one or two copies of this variant is thought to confer the same amount of risk. However, the variant is thought to have incomplete penetrance: That is, not all dogs with this variant will ultimately show signs of DCM. Moreover, the impact of this variant in other breeds of dog besides the Doberman has yet to be fully understood. However, if your veterinarian thinks Tempest shows signs of having DCM based on their diagnostic testing, you now have the opportunity to discuss early treatment. Please consult with your veterinarian regarding a diagnostic and treatment plan for Tempest. We measure this result using a linkage test.

DCM is the most common acquired heart disease of adult dogs. The heart has two heavily muscled ventricles that pump blood away from the heart. This disease causes progressive weakening of the ventricles by reducing the muscle mass, which causes the ventricles to dilate. Dilated ventricles do not contract and circulate oxygenated blood well, which eventually leads to heart failure.

This disease can rarely be seen in puppies and young adults. It is typically seen in middle aged to older dogs.

In the early stages of DCM, you will likely not notice any changes in your dog. DCM typically presents at the end stages of the disease, when the heart is failing. Signs include weakness, cold toes and ears, blue-grey gums and tongue, and respiratory distress. If you see these signs, take your dog immediately to an emergency veterinarian!

The earlier a diagnosis can be reached, the better the outcome. If you are concerned about your dog’s heart, discuss it with your veterinarian who can run basic preliminary tests. They may recommend a visit to a veterinary cardiologist for a complete evaluation, including an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram).

Treatment is completely dependent on how advanced the disease is at the time of diagnosis. It can range from monitoring the patient periodically to intensive hospitalization at specialty veterinary practices.