Wisdom Panel® Launches New Canine DNA Test To Reveal Potentially Life-Saving Genetic Information

PORTLAND, Ore., April 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- With millions of mixed-breed dog owners in the U.S., having access to reliable breed ancestry information can be critical for the nutrition, training and overall healthcare of furry family members. Understanding the breeds that make up their dog enables much more targeted care and in some cases provides life-saving information.

Mars Veterinary, the industry leader in canine genetic testing, is launching the next evolution of the canine DNA test—Wisdom Panel® 3.0— by expanding the breed screening coverage to 250+ breeds, types and varieties including all those recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), and providing potentially life-saving medical information with an MDR1 genetic mutation test. MDR1 or Multi-Drug Resistance 1 is a genetic mutation found in some herding and sighthound breeds, as well as many mixed-breed dogs. The MDR1 gene is responsible for production of a protein called P-glycoprotein. The P-glycoprotein molecule is a drug transport pump that plays an important role in limiting drug absorption and distribution (particularly to the brain) and enhancing the excretion/elimination of many drugs used in dogs. Dogs with the MDR1 mutation may have severe adverse reactions to some common drugs. Although the mutation is most closely associated with some purebreds, it can also be found in mixed-breed dogs. Therefore it is important for owners of mix-breeds to test their dogs and to share the results with their veterinarian in order to provide their pet with the best possible care. The discovery of the MDR1 mutation in dogs was made by Washington State University. It is a patent-protected diagnostic test offered by Washington State University that has been licensed to Mars Veterinary for use in the Wisdom Panel tests.

"At Mars Veterinary we're always investing in ways to improve the value of our products for the consumer. We want to provide them with the best possible information to make informed decisions regarding the health and well-being of their four-legged family members. With the introduction of the MDR1 genetic mutation screening in the new Wisdom Panel® 3.0 test, we're confident we've made a real step-change in our ability to provide that level of information," said Neale Fretwell, PhD, Mars Veterinary General Manager.

The Wisdom Panel Legacy

Mars Veterinary launched its first test, the veterinarian administered, blood-based Wisdom Panel® MX in 2007. The state-of-the-art Wisdom Panel® 2.0, DogTrax™ (for shelters) and new Wisdom Panel® 3.0 canine DNA tests are all based on more than 15 years of extensive research, drawing from the expertise of leading scientists, veterinarians, universities and breed organizations throughout the world. The development of the Wisdom Panel tests included the analysis of more than 19 million DNA markers from more than 15,000 dogs across the United States and Great Britain. As a result, they are the most comprehensive breed analysis tests on the market, detecting the breed composition of a dog with unprecedented accuracy using the Mars Veterinary's proprietary processing algorithm.

Wisdom Panel® 3.0 test results include ancestry information back to the great-grandparent level, detailed breed information, MDR1 screening results and a predicted adult weight profile. Testing is easy and can be done at home by rubbing two swabs (included in the kit) between the dog's gum and the cheek for 15 seconds to collect skin cells for DNA extraction. Owners will receive an official Ancestry Report approximately 2-3 weeks from the time the test swabs reach the lab via pre-paid postage included in the kit. Wisdom Panel® 3.0 test can be run for mixed-breed, purebred and designer dogs. Kits are available at www.WisdomPanel.com for $84.99.

To learn more about the new Wisdom Panel® 3.0 test and dog DNA testing, visit www.WisdomPanel.com, or join the conversation on Facebook/DoggieDNA, on Twitter @WisdomPanel (#WisdomPanel) and on Instagram @WisdomPanel. For more information on breeds and drugs affected by the MDR1 mutation, visit www.wisdompanel.com/MDR1_Disease_Screening.

About Mars Veterinary
Mars Veterinary is a business unit of Mars Petcare, the U.S. operations of the world's largest pet care company at the privately-held Mars, Incorporated. Its mission is facilitating responsible pet care by enhancing the well-being and relationship between pets, pet owners and veterinarians through valuable insights into pets as individuals. For nearly a decade, Mars Veterinary has researched and developed state-of-the-art genetic tests for mixed-breed dogs, revolutionizing personalized pet care. By discovering a mixed-breed dog's ancestry, pet owners and veterinarians can work together to tailor wellness programs that fit the one-of-a-kind needs of a mixed-breed dog. For more information, visit www.wisdompanel.com.

About Mars, Incorporated
In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Washington kitchen and established Mars' first roots as a confectionery company.  In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars, Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY® bar. In 1932, Forrest, Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of  building a business based on the objective of creating a "mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders" – this objective serves as the foundation of Mars, Incorporated today. Based in McLean, Virginia, Mars has net sales of more than $33 billion, six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, Symbioscience, and more than 72,000 Associates worldwide that are putting its Principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its performance.

Mars brands include: Petcare – PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, KITEKAT®, BANFIELD® Pet Hospital, WISDOM PANEL® and NUTRO®; Chocolate – M&M'S®, SNICKERS®, DOVE®, GALAXY®, MARS®, MILKY WAY® and TWIX®; Wrigley – DOUBLEMINT®, EXTRA®, ORBIT® and 5™ chewing gums, SKITTLES® and STARBURST® candies, and ALTOIDS® AND LIFESAVERS® mints.  Food –  UNCLE BEN'S®, DOLMIO®, EBLY®, MASTERFOODS®, SEEDS OF CHANGE® and ROYCO®; Drinks – ALTERRA COFFEE ROASTERS™, THE BRIGHT TEA COMPANY™, KLIX® and FLAVIA®; Symbioscience – COCOAVIA®

For more information, please visit www.mars.com.  Follow us: facebook.com/mars, twitter.com/marsglobal, youtube.com/mars, linkedin.com/company/mars.

®/™ Trademarks © Mars, Incorporated 2015

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SOURCE Mars Veterinary

Related Links

http://www.WisdomPanel.com