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Understanding Your Genetic Results

The scientific terms can sometimes be confusing. Here is a breakdown of what each result means for your pet’s health and breeding future.

Normal (N/N)

  • Also called: "Negative" or "Clear."

  • Definition: The specific genetic variation was not detected. Your animal has two copies of the normal gene.

  • What this means: The animal will not develop the condition and cannot pass the mutation to its offspring. It is generally safe to breed with any partner regarding this specific trait.

Carrier (N/P)

  • Also called: "Heterozygous."

  • Definition: Your animal has one copy of the normal gene and one copy of the recessive variant.

  • Health: For recessive conditions, carriers are typically healthy and do not exhibit symptoms.

  • Breeding Guidance: The animal can pass the variant to 50% of its offspring. To avoid producing affected puppies or kittens, a Carrier should only be bred with a Normal (N/N) partner.

Positive / At Risk (P/P)

  • Also called: "Affected" or "Homozygous."

  • Definition: Two copies of the recessive variant were detected.

  • Health: The animal is genetically predisposed to the condition. Whether they actually develop symptoms depends on Penetrance (see the note below). We recommend discussing a management plan with your veterinarian.

  • Breeding Guidance: If bred to a Normal (N/N) partner, 100% of the offspring will be Carriers.

Positive Heterozygous (N/PH)

  • Definition: One copy of a dominant variant was detected.

  • Health: Unlike recessive traits, having just one copy of a dominant variant increases the risk of developing the condition.

  • Breeding Guidance: There is a 50% chance of passing this trait to offspring, even if the animal is bred to a clear partner.

Indeterminable / Inconclusive

  • Definition: The sample failed to provide a clear result. This is usually due to insufficient DNA collection (e.g., not enough cheek cells were gathered on the swab).

  • What happens next: A re-collection is required. Orivet typically provides a replacement swab at no charge so we can try again.

💡 Important Note: What is "Penetrance"?

You might hear the term "penetrance" regarding a Positive result. Put simply: Just because a dog has the genes for a disease doesn't guarantee they will get sick.

  • Complete Penetrance: Every animal with the gene mutation will get the disease (e.g., MDR1 Drug Sensitivity).

  • Incomplete Penetrance: The animal has the mutation, but other genetic or environmental factors might protect them, meaning they never develop symptoms.

The "Brick Wall" Analogy: Think of a gene like a supplier of bricks for a wall. Even if one supplier goes on strike (a gene mutation), you might still have enough bricks from the other supplier (modifier genes or environment) to build the wall effectively. This is why some "At Risk" dogs never show clinical signs.