POMC mutation- appetite and obesity
This test looks for a mutation in the POMC gene. This mutation is associated with weight,
appetite and obesity in Labradors and Flatcoated Retrievers. POMC is a gene that is crucial in the system controlling appetite. The mutation in this gene causes the dog to have an increased appetite and to feel hungry even if they have already eaten. It is this increase in appetite and persistent hunger that causes the dog to over eat and become obese. For each copy of the mutation, a dog will be on average 1.9kg heavier than those dogs without the POMC mutation.
This mutation could also occur in crossbred dogs with Labrador or Flatcoated Retriever in their parentage.
How Common is the Mutation?
Around one in four (23%) UK Labradors carry at least one copy of the mutation. This mutation is also present in Flatcoated Retrievers, where two thirds carry at least one copy of this mutation.
What do the result of this test mean?
You will receive one of three results when you have your dog tested:
Clear– this means that your dog does not carry the mutation in the POMC gene. Which means they will not suffer from the hunger associated with the POMC mutation and is likely to be less food motivated.
One Copy- your dog does have the mutation, this makes then more interested in food than dogs without this mutation. This effect is not as marked as dogs with two copies of this mutation. The increased hunger and interest in food is what can lead to the dog becoming obese.
Two Copies-Your dog does have the mutation, this makes then more interested in food than dogs without this mutation. The increased hunger and interest in food is what can lead to the dog becoming obese.
What should I do if my dog is affected?
The main thing to remember is that obesity is preventable: you should use this information to guide you in managing your dogs health. Dogs with this mutation can be a healthy weight, owners just need to be more careful and work harder to manage this.
When you receive the results for your POMC DNA test you will also be sent an information booklet. This provides more information on the mutation, its effects and advice on how to help keep your dog at a healthy weight even if they have the mutation.
We advise against dogs with the mutation being excluded from breeding as:
It is too common- removing affected dogs could reduce the available diversity for breeding
This mutation may positively contribute to the behaviour of these breeds. This mutation was found to be more common in assistance dogs. It could be that the increase food motivation encourages them to work harder for food rewards.
Obesity can be prevented with management even in affected dogs, so it is not necessary to remove this mutation.