Melanoma

DNA test 2 DNA tests that can help to predict the possible type of incidence for developing dermal melanomas on...

£65.00

Sample Requirements

5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube

Send your sample by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

Turnaround Time

2 to 5 working days

About the test

This genetic profile combines Grey (G) and Agouti (A) DNA testing to assess the genetic risk of developing dermal melanomas in grey horses.

By determining whether a horse is heterozygous (G/N) or homozygous (G/G) for the Grey gene and identifying its Agouti genotype, this test provides valuable information about melanoma risk and supports informed breeding and health management decisions.

Why test?

This DNA profile helps to:

Assess the genetic risk of dermal melanoma in grey horses.
Determine Grey (G) and Agouti (A) genotypes.
Support breeding decisions and long-term health monitoring.
Identify horses at increased risk of developing melanomas.

How it works

🛒 Purchase the Test: Select and buy the test online.

📧 Receive Instructions: After payment confirmation, receive instructions for sample collection.

✨ Sample Collection: Your veterinarian collects a blood sample.

📄 Download Submission Form: Download the printable submission form.

📮 Send Samples: Send your samples by regular mail or express delivery to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

📄 Receive Results: Get your result certificate by email.

Results

The genetic profile test verifies the genotype of the Grey and Agouti genes, and presents results as one of the following:

Melanoma incidence risk

G/N + A/a or A/A – Moderate incidence of dermal melanomas.
G/N + a/a – Moderate to high incidence of dermal melanomas.
G/G + A/a or A/A – High incidence of dermal melanomas.
G/G + a/a – Very high incidence of dermal melanomas.

Additional information

Dermal melanoma is one of the most common skin tumours affecting horses, particularly grey horses.

More than 80% of grey horses over 15 years of age will develop one or more melanomas during their lifetime. While most are benign and slow growing, some can become malignant or develop in locations that interfere with normal function.

Research has shown that horses carrying two copies of the Grey gene (G/G) have a greater incidence of melanoma than heterozygous grey horses (G/N). In addition, grey horses with the non-agouti (a/a) genotype have an even higher genetic predisposition.

Large or internally located melanomas may cause weight loss, discomfort, colic, infection or interfere with tack and normal movement. Early identification of genetic risk allows owners and veterinarians to implement appropriate health monitoring throughout the horse's life.

FAQs

Which sample is required?

The test requires 5 mL of blood collected in a K3 EDTA tube.

What genes are analysed?

The test evaluates the Grey (G) and Agouti (A) genes to estimate the genetic risk of dermal melanoma.

Does a high-risk result mean my horse will definitely develop melanoma?

No. The test estimates genetic predisposition, not certainty. Environmental factors, age and individual variation also influence whether melanomas develop.

Which horses should be tested?

This test is recommended for grey horses, particularly those intended for breeding or those requiring long-term health monitoring.

How long does it take to receive the results?

Results are available within 2 to 5 working days after sample arrival at the laboratory.