Jenna Dockweiler, MS, DVM, DACT, CCRT, CVAT, Veterinary Geneticist at EmbarkĭNA methylation is a type of epigenetic modification. Additionally, this exciting technology may help pave the way for future discovery in dogs.” DNA methylation offers a new method for estimating age that is much more precise. “Studies have shown age determination based on physical exam findings in adult dogs (including eye clarity, dental tartar, and tooth wear) does not yield a highly accurate result, despite pet care professionals’ best efforts with available parameters. That’s why we use the scientific field of epigenetics to measure your dog’s age based on their DNA. Teeth can also indicate a dog’s age, although not all dogs follow the same progression from puppy teeth to adult teeth, and age is harder to determine after puppyhood.Įven trained experts sometimes get age identification wrong when judging by visual cues alone. There are several physical clues that veterinarians use to estimate dog age, including body shape and lens clarity. Here, we explore the science behind the Age Test and how it uses a type of DNA marker called methylation. Jump to: What is epigenetics? | What is DNA methylation? | How does the Age Test work? For more information, please see our full statement detailing next steps for the Age Test. Further, this Age Test-specific issue in no way impacts the accuracy of our longstanding DNA products-Breed ID, Breed + Health, and Purebred tests-which are founded in decades-old genotyping technology and use prediction models that our scientists have spent years refining. We are committed to ensuring the scientific integrity of the next iteration of the Age Test and have taken several steps to ensure that we continue to provide quality DNA products for you and your dog. With recruiting and modeling efforts underway, we’re optimistic that we’ll be able to dive deeper into the scientific challenges of methylation technology and develop the most advanced, high-quality Age Test. We’ve paused the sale and processing of the Age Test and are dedicating significant resources to resolving this issue. We recently discovered that the Age Test wasn’t performing in a way that met our scientific standards or our commitment to our customers and their dogs.
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