Basic information on the Laboklin "Megacolon" PCR test for rabbits [Updated on: 10/16/24 04:39] Visiting from: - [Visiting from: Unknown]
This page is for reference & information only. RRI/VGR1 is not associated with Laboklin. They do provide a excellent service.

Basic Overview

  Laboklin started offering a “Megacolon” test for rabbits in mid-2023. This test, identified as ID# 8810, detects the mutation in the KIT gene, which causes a dilated colon, impaired intestinal motility, digestive problems, and decreased viability in rabbits with the homozygous English spotting coat color. Laboklin is an accredited specialist laboratory for veterinary diagnostics with facilities across Europe, and they accept samples from the US and many other countries.

  The KIT gene, often referred to as the “English spotting gene” in rabbits, is responsible for the mutation causing Megacolon (Italian 2014 study). This gene encodes a protein that is part of the receptor tyrosine kinase family, which plays a crucial role in signal transduction from the cell surface to the inside of the cell. This signaling is essential for various cellular processes, including growth and development.

  The test looks specifically for the "mutation" that occures when the rabbit inherits two of the dominant version of the English spotting "genes" En/En (KIT). A positive result can be very helpfull to help eliminate other incorrect diagnoses. It can also help you and your rabbit savvy-vet put together a plan of care, quicker. Until now vets would rely the amount on fur color, odd shape poops, and repeat GI events to make an educated guess if the rabbit did have genetic MC. The test can not tell you if or when MC events will happen or how severe events could be as each case/rabbit is different.

Laboklin uses alternate abbreviation for the dominant and recessive English spotting "gene."

Usage Dominant Recessive Notes
Laboklin MC N Laboklin uses MC & N as it's more in line with their other reports & is more user friendly
Common
Usage
En en
Older German K k Older German studies reference the English spotting gene with a "K"
Older Breeder Es es Older breeder info (& ARBA) reference the English spotting gene with a "Es"

The Sample Test Kit

  Laboklin has labs all over Europe. The quickest turn around time from the US is the UK lab, located in Manchester. They will mail you a free test kit and directions you must follow. Our test kit was sent from Manchester and arrived on the West Coast of the US 6 days later.

  PRICE: Laboklin will send you the test kit for free. You must pay postage send the samples back to the UK. The test itself is currently ~$77 USD. The results can be sent by mail (for an extra fee, ~$4.75 USD) or by e-mail. Please check the "MC Test page" for current prices and directions.

  BLOOD: For genetic testing, they need a DNA sample. This can be provided as a 0.5 - 1 mL tube of whole blood in an EDTA blood tube, this must be done by a veterinary surgeon. EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) is often used in blood collection tubes to prevent blood from clotting by binding to calcium ions.

  BUCCAL SWAB: They will also take a buccal swab, requires 2 swab samples per rabbit. The sample can be taken by a vet or owner. A buccal swab is a method used to collect DNA from the cells on the inside of the rabbit's cheek. This involves gently rubbing a sterile cotton swab against the inner cheek to capture cells that contain DNA. It’s a non-invasive, painless, and easy way to obtain a DNA sample for genetic testing.


Test Requirements and Recommendations

Laboklin DNA sample collection (directions)
Note: The text & images below are directly from Laboklin's DNA collection sheet. Rabbit text and images were added by RRI/VGR1. For the latest directions see the sheet in your DNA collection kit!

For all genetic tests we need a DNA sample; this can be either blood or buccal swabs. In horses a hair sample is recommended.

Blood (Dogs, Cats and Horses) [Rabbits]

0.5 - 1 ml whole blood in EDTA blood tube per test. Blood must be collected by a vet. There is no minimum age for using blood.

Swabs

Buccal swabs can be used by owners. To avoid contamination of the swab with DNA of other sources, the animal should not be fed for 1-2 hours before taking the swab and must be separated from other animals in the household during this period. Ensure that there is no food debris in the mouth. If you are sampling more than one animal, please use disposable gloves or wash hands between sampling.

Standard buccal swabs (dogs and cats) [rabbits] - 2 swabs per animal


LABOKLIN
Submission Form - Small Mammals and Birds (July 2024)
- For the latest information and forms look in your collection kit or online at Laboklin!
- Order forms - Mammals_Birds_UK_2024.pdf


Experiences

Liberty

Liberty is a very affectionate, friendly, and smart rabbit that was dropped off at the local county shelter. She was pulled by the rescue I help at and has been in foster for a number of months. She is about 1-2 years old and is now chipped, vaxxed, and spayed. With her very light markings and random strange (oval) shaped poops she is suspected for genetic megacolon.



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[Updated on: 10/16/24 04:39]