Raven’s embark results
Raven’s Embark Results: Healthy, Clear & Genetically Sound
At War King Kennels, the health of our dogs and the puppies we produce is our top priority. That’s why we proudly use Embark Veterinary Genetic Testing to ensure our dogs are healthy, free of inherited diseases, and well-suited for responsible breeding.
We’re excited to share Raven’s official Embark results, which confirm that she is “Clear” for all breed-relevant genetic conditions. This means Raven does not carry any of the common hereditary diseases known to affect her breed and is an excellent representative of strong genetic health.
However, Embark also tests for a wide variety of additional markers—some of which are not linked to disease, but are still helpful for veterinarians and breeders to know. Raven had two notable but non-concerning findings, which we’ll explain below in simple terms:
ALT Activity – One Copy of a Variant (No Health Risk)
Raven carries one copy of a gene variant that can cause lower-than-average ALT enzyme levels on bloodwork. This is not a disease—just a normal variation that means her liver enzymes might look a little lower than expected on a vet’s lab report.
What it means for Raven: She is not sick and does not have liver disease. Her body just naturally produces less ALT, which is a liver enzyme vets look at in routine checkups.
Why it matters to vets: If Raven ever needs bloodwork, her vet should know that a low ALT level is normal for her, and not a sign of liver problems.
What it means for puppies: Puppies will inherit only one copy of this gene at most and are not at risk. It’s a harmless variant.
Copper Toxicosis Variant (Breed Significance Unknown)
Raven also carries two copies of a gene linked to Copper Toxicosis, a condition where the liver can have trouble removing excess copper.
But here’s the key detail:
This variant has only been studied in a few breeds, and there is no evidence it causes any issues in Raven’s breed. Raven is not showing any signs of illness, and Embark reports that she is not known to be at increased risk.
How we manage this: With any dog carrying this variant, we simply inform our vet, who may choose to run an occasional liver panel as a precaution. If needed, a low-copper diet can also be used. Raven’s health is excellent and she’s never shown symptoms.
What it means for puppies: Since this gene’s effect is unknown in Raven’s breed, and her health is unaffected, her puppies are not expected to be at risk. We will continue to pair her responsibly and monitor her health with routine veterinary care.
Summary
Raven’s genetic results show she is:
Clear for all breed-relevant health conditions
Free of any known inherited diseases
Healthy, thriving, and genetically sound
A smart addition to any responsible breeding program
At Nordsternstaat, we’re committed to transparency and education. If you ever have questions about our dogs’ health testing or breeding practices, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Stay tuned for future updates on Raven, her training, and upcoming litters!
