Basic information on the Laboklin "Megacolon" PCR test for rabbits [Updated on: 10/16/24 04:39]
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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
- There is no minimum age for using blood
- It's recommended to use Buccal swabs about a week after the rabbit is weaned from the mother. This to avoid DNA cross contamination. You still can use them before then but you must follow the instructions carefully!
- Before using swabs the rabbit must be separated from other animals.
- The rabbit must not be fed for few hours before testing, best time maybe in the morning before the rabbit is fed.
- If you have any questions contact Laboklin!
Laboklin DNA sample collection (directions)
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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
- → Remove the swab from the container at the handle end. Do not touch the collection tip of the swab. The person taking the samples should avoid touching the inside of the animal's mouth.
- → Rub the collection tip against the oral mucosa (the inside of the cheek) STRONGLY WITH SOME PRESSURE for a minimum of ONE MINUTE to ensure that enough cells are attached to the tip. The genetic test can only be carried out successfully if there are enough cells attached to the swab. Saliva alone is not sufficient for the test!
- → It is vital to air-dry the swab after use for at least 2-4 hours (better overnight), this can be achieved by standing the swab on its cap, then
- → once the swab is dry, place it back into the tube. Please label the tube with the important information (owner, animal name, etc). Tip: it may be good idea to label the swabs in advance to avoid sample mix up. Please ensure that label is firmly attached to the tube, use sellotape.
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.
- August 2024: Contacted Laboklin UK (Manchester). They send a few free test kits and directions. They arrived on the West Coast of the US 6 days later.
- October 13th, 2024: 2 DNA sample at her cheek with buccal swabs. Rubbed for 1 minute each and allowed to dry for 24 hours.
- October 15th, 2024: 4AM, Contacted Laboklin UK by phone to pre-pay for test. Cost was £44.65 (including VAT) for test ID# 8810.
- October 15th, 2024: 4PM Dropped samples off at the local United States Postal Service branch in Northern California. Package weighed 1.6 oz. (45.4 grams). USPS offered 3 shipping options to the UK: $80, $45, and $20 USD. We picked $20, International 1st class package service. We had to fill out form 2976-R (Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note). "A form that customers use to provide customs information for international packages to USPS retail service counters. The form is used to ensure that packages include Advance Electronic Data, which is required by trade compliance rules and regulations." USPS Acceptance Policies.
- October 15th, 2024: We were told it could take up to 3 weeks. On form 2976-R we check "Other" for "Item Category" and filled in "buccal swabs." Under "Detailed Description" we filled in "DRY swabs for DNS test" per the USPS clerk.
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[Updated on: 10/16/24 04:39]